From idealization to pragmatism: how students in Kazakhstan choose the profession of journalism

Section: Sociology of Journalism

The article presents a comparative analysis of the value orientations, motivation and professional attitudes of students of the Faculty of Journalism in Kazakhstan based on the research conducted in 2016 and 2024. The work aims to identify the changes that have occurred in the worldview and professional selfdetermination of the young generation of journalists under the conditions of digital transformation, changes in the media landscape and socio-political dynamics. The study found that students’ value priorities have undergone significant changes due to the digitalization of society, the development of artificial intelligence, and the changing media landscape and socio-political dynamics. While in 2016, idealistic motives such as serving society, striving for truth, and influencing public consciousness dominated the choice of profession, in 2024 pragmatic guidelines come to the forefront: self-realization, autonomy, creative freedom, digital competencies and career opportunities. Additionally, the analysis highlights shifts in the perception of professional ethics, moving away from traditional moral principles towards more flexible and pragmatic approaches influenced by the digital formats of journalism and the constant pressure of the fast-paced news cycle. The results of the study suggest that today’s young journalists in Kazakhstan are in the process of developing a new professional identity that combines social responsibility with digital competencies and entrepreneurial thinking. These changes reflect the overall trends of transformation of journalism education and the role of the media in a society experiencing an era of post-industrial and technological shifts.

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To cite this article: Ibrayeva G., Tleugazina D., Rakisheva B., Ashkenova G., Vasilyeva L. (2026) Ot idealizatsii k pragmatizmu: kak kazakhstanskiye studenty vybirayut professiyu zhurnalista [From idealization to pragmatism: how students in Kazakhstan choose the profession of journalism]. Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Seriya 10. Zhurnalistika 2: 97–115. DOI: 10.55959/msu.vestnik. journ.2.2026.97115