Sociology of the Professions

Abstract

The Sociology of the Professions is a domain within the Sociology of Work whose object is the study of professions as a special category of occupations. The distinction between “profession” and “occupation”—its Anglo-Saxon starting point—is thus understood: while the term “occupation” means every activity, work, function or job that is the main source of someone’s livelihood, the term “profession” distinguishes a more or less specialized, well-paid and prestigious occupation. The main approaches and theories in the field of the Sociology of the Professions are the following: functionalist (“trait approach”), interactionist (“process approach”) and conflict (“power approach”). I submit that every lawful occupation, by means of which individuals earn their principal regular income, is their profession, with its corresponding utility and dignity, whatever its reality. Nevertheless, while a case may be made for considering the distinction between profession and occupation as a socially elitist construct, there are objective differences and social differentiation among occupations/professions. Occupations distinguish themselves by their level of professionality (or professionhood). Professionalism is a more frequently used word, but their distinction and definitions are not well-established in the sociological literature. As understood here, professionality means the global profile of a profession, that is, everything distinguishing it from other occupational groups; professionalism means the practice of a profession according to its identity content, as described in Professional Standards. Ultimately, professionalism amounts to the unity of science, conscience and excellence. Professional Standards are principally standards for professional fitness, competence, education, practice and conduct. They should form the normative framework essential for accreditation of initial and continuing education, for registration and certification, for any possible disciplinary sanction, as well as for the periodic evaluation of performance. Another relevant sociological concept is that of professional self-regulation. It will be the focus of the third part of this study.