"Social Responsibility Theory (SRT) of media is considered as one of the oldest normative theories. Despite its importance it has been understudied in post-conflict countries such as Afghanistan. Using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, this study investigates the extent to which Afghan journalists adhere to social responsibility and analyzes how external pressures constrain their adherence. The data were collected from a sample of N = 119 journalists between July and December 2025, who retrospectively evaluated professional practices and structural conditions during 2001–2021. This retrospective design introduces potential recall bias and post-hoc reinterpretation, including the possibility that post-2021 political and institutional conditions influenced respondents’ assessments of the pre-2021 media environment. Quantitative data were analyzed using correlation and qualitative responses were examined using thematic analysis. Results indicate a moderately favorable overall level of social responsibility (M = 3.93), with truth and accuracy scoring highest (M = 4.30, SD = 0.52), and accountability lowest (M = 3.41). The data suggest that accountability deficits were primarily associated with self-censorship and political pressure was significantly associated with reduced diversity of representation. Media capture, struggle for survival and pathways to reform were three interconnected themes that emerged from qualitative data. This study contributes to our understanding of media professional practice in fragile and post-conflict environments and helps to illustrate the structural boundaries of normative practice." )Abstract)