The Power of the Professions in American Society

Abstract

The professions are the most analyzed of all occupational .groups. A wide variety of perspectives and methodologies have been employed. The perspectives vary from a view that the professions represent a classic rip-off of the public to one in which professions comprise a highly desirable future model for all occupations. Methods have included participant observation, surveys, historical analysis and probably the whole array of techniques available to the social scientists. There are extensive bodies of literature regarding single professions, such as medicine, law, or education. There is other literature which attempts to make comparative analyses across a range of professions. Of particular interest to us is the literature on the power of the professions. This includes the many references. to the status of the professiol1s in society, community power studies in which particular professionals are identified as powor holders, and the growing literature on the power of professionals over clients. In addition, Freidson's(1970) careful analysis of the field of medicine provides insights into the manner in which professions obtain power in the political arena. Bell (1973) has recently argued that certain professions will be the decision-makers in the post-industrial society. Trieman (1974) has provided evidence on cross-cultural comparison of the status of all occupations, including the professions. Palmore (1975) has analyzed gains and losses of. power of several professions.