Conceptualizing Professionalism

Why Economics Needs Sociology

Datos Bibliográficos

ID2804140
AutoresJennifer Robert (0000-0001-6852-2137), Jennifer Roberts (0000-0003-4552-9576, Institute of Health Economics), Michael Dietrich (0000-0001-6794-3618, Institute of Health Economics)
Año1999
Volumen58
Número4
Páginas977-998
Fecha de publicación1999-10-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaAmerican Journal of Economics and Sociology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0002-9246 • E-ISSN: 1536-7150
EditorialWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/j.1536-7150.1999.tb03404.x
OpenAlexW1999573653
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas21
Referencias citadas35

The main argument presented here is that economics provides a necessary but not sufficient analysis of professionalism. A sufficient analysis can only be generated by recognizing the sociological significance of professionals, and in particular the institutionalization of a professional ethic. In this way we suggest that economics needs sociology to provide an effective conceptualization of professionalism as a form of organization and as a mode of behavior. Equally, however, sociology needs economics, because while the sociological context provides an explanation of the way power is institutionalized, an economic focus is necessary to maintain a role for individual agency. These arguments are illustrated with a discussion of the historical and institutional complexities of professional organization; we look particularly at nursing and certain routinized areas of legal work and accountancy

Agency (philosophy) · Argument (complex analysis) · Conceptualization · Context (archaeology) · Economics · Epistemology · Institutionalisation · Political science · Positive economics · Power (physics) · Social science · Sociology · Work (physics) · Economic Theory and Institutions · Law · Management and Organizational Studies · Occupational and Professional Licensing Regulation