E-Book Overview
This book synthesises several decades of research to extend beyond the limitations of a traditional functionalist model, offering a twenty-first century theory of professions and professionalism for a new generation engaging in theorising and research. It asserts nine innovative arguments, drawing on major theorists such as Johnson, Freidson, Larson, Weber, Foucault and Bourdieu to achieve a global framing of professions. Concepts of bundling and unbundling are used to explain changes happening to professions as they cease to be exclusive containers that fully control particular forms of knowledge. Examining how professions are changing today reveals the ways in which expectations around expertise and goodness have altered for all stakeholders: consumers, regulators, corporations and professions themselves. Unbundled professions morph into new forms of professional work, under new conditions, technologies and social arrangements. Professionals and policy-makers interested in shaping the future of professions must recognise the potential impacts from an increasingly globalised, digitalised and managerialised world, and this book will be a key addition for scholars and practitioners alike.
E-Book Content
Theorising Professions A Sociological Introduction Edgar A Burns
Theorising Professions
Edgar A Burns
Theorising Professions A Sociological Introduction
Edgar A Burns Waikato University Napier, New Zealand
ISBN 978-3-030-27934-9 ISBN 978-3-030-27935-6 (eBook) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-27935-6 © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are solely and exclusively licensed by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Cover image: © Alex Linch This Palgrave Macmillan imprint is published by the registered company Springer Nature Switzerland AG The registered company address is: Gewerbestrasse 11, 6330 Cham, Switzerland
To YJ For her constancy in example and practice of the very best ideals of being professional
Preface
This book addresses sociologists, policymakers, professional leaders and educators who shape, advise, teach and develop professions. These practitioners constantly review professional groups negotiating the many cross-pressures faced today, or prepare new generations of professionals. Yet something happens when professionals are called on to theorise professions and professional work, especially their own. Most professionals fall back on some version of inadequate functionalist theory to justify existing and proposed professional configurations. This approach fails to address current realities such as licensed control over wo