In the article “The Professionalization of Journalism,” John C. Merrill addresses the question of whether or not journalism should become a professionalized profession. Merrill notes that although journalism is not currently considered a profession, many journalists see themselves as professionals. The Oxford Shorter Dictionary defines “profession” as “an occupation in which one claims to be competent and to practice.” . . .A vocation in which professed knowledge of a certain branch of knowledge is used in its application to the affairs of others, or in the practice of an art based on it. Merrill points to several advantages enjoyed by those in a professionalized profession, including an elite image, a level of regulation and standardization of activities performed by individuals within that profession, and greater financial rewards. Throughout this article, Merrill examines many of the defining elements of a profession and questions whether it is appropriate for journalism to be included among professionalized professions. In order to determine whether journalism should become professionalized, it is crucial to understand what the term professionalized entails. Merrill considers several definitions and criteria for the characteristics required for an occupation to be considered professional, as well as the benefits and restrictions associated with the title. One definition considered by Merrill in this article is that presented by sociologist William Goode, who asserts that being a professionalized profession means belonging to a homogenous community in which members feel a sense of common identity and values. Merrill notes that journalists exercise a high level of professional freedom...... middle of paper...... criteria limiting who can express themselves in writing and who cannot. It would be virtually impossible to grant certain individuals the exclusive right to practice journalism, which is another characteristic that Merrill attributes to the professions. The final professional attribute that Merrill considers as it relates to journalism is the idea of ​​a homogeneous community presented by sociologist William Goode. Merrill notes that journalists do not compromise this idea of ​​a homogeneous community because they do not have a common identification or a clear vision of the role they should play in society. Merrill also argues that many elements of journalism would be lost if it were professionalized such as freedom of expression for journalists. The professionalization of journalism would reduce this creative profession and limit many of its defining aspects..