Theorising Professions

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.

Argues that the discursive bundling of professions' public good and expertise inadequately explain how professions arrived at their present privileged position Suggests that historical development is more adequately accounted for through a social constructionist idea of professions' modern invention and continual modification Offers insights into the ways in which professions should re-think their position to meet the demands of governments, organisations and consumers transnationally

Autorentext
Edgar A Burns until recently lectured in sociology at La Trobe University Australia.

He is now Associate Professor, Chair of Integrated Catchment Management at the

University of Waikato, New Zealand.

Inhalt

1. Why Theorise Professions?.- 2. Beyond Defining Professions.- 3. Professions and Modern Organisational Forms.- 4. Professionalisation Discourses.- 5. Periodising Professions History.- 6. The Post-Professional Transition.- 7. Public Good and Professogenesis.- 8. Unbundling Professional Expertise. - 9. Professions Unbound.