<![CDATA[Abstrak Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis persepsi masyarakat terhadap profesionalisme wartawan perempuan di Kota Padangsidimpuan serta mengkaji pengaruh budaya patriarki dalam membentuk persepsi tersebut. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan desain etnometodologi, karena fokusnya pada cara masyarakat membangun dan memaknai realitas sosial dalam kehidupan sehari-hari, termasuk dalam menilai peran perempuan di ruang publik. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara semi-terstruktur, dan dokumentasi terhadap 15 informan yang dipilih secara purposive. Keabsahan data diuji melalui triangulasi sumber, sedangkan analisis dilakukan secara tematik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya persepsi yang ambivalen. Sebagian masyarakat yang masih kuat memegang nilai patriarki memandang profesi wartawan kurang sesuai bagi perempuan. Sebaliknya, masyarakat dengan tingkat pendidikan dan literasi media lebih baik menilai wartawan perempuan profesional, berani, dan berintegritas, meskipun stereotip gender masih ditemukan. Kata kunci: Persepsi Sosial; Profesionalisme Jurnalistik; Budaya Patriarki Abstract This study aims to analyze public perceptions of the professionalism of female journalists in Padangsidimpuan City and to examine the influence of patriarchal culture in shaping these perceptions. The research employs a qualitative approach with an ethnomethodological design, as it focuses on how individuals construct and interpret social reality in everyday life, particularly in assessing women’s roles in the public sphere. Data were collected through observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation involving 15 informants selected purposively from the community. Data validity was ensured through source triangulation, and thematic analysis was applied to interpret the findings. The results indicate ambivalent perceptions. Some community members who strongly adhere to patriarchal values perceive journalism as less suitable for women. In contrast, individuals with higher levels of education and media literacy tend to evaluate female journalists positively, recognizing their professionalism, courage, and integrity, although gender stereotypes remain evident. Keywords: Social Perception; Journalistic Professionalism; Patriarchal Culture]]>
