Concepts of Professions and Professionalism

Abstract

This chapter explores the concepts of professions and professionalism, and considers how these constructs may be changing as a result of new policy, which is perceived to be introducing different forms of organisational work patterns and changing traditional distributions of power between professional groups. It is concluded that although some change in the social construction of professional groups is inevitable, in the final analysis professionals are likely to maintain power because they are prepared to accept responsibility for client welfare.