ABSTRACT
The concept of ‘the professions’ has a particular resonance in Anglo- American Sociology, which is also reflected in the meanings attached to the word itself. Professional specialisation, i.e. the division of expert labour, exemplifies the search for the best and most efficient and therefore ‘rational’ mode of achieving given ends. The functionalist sociology of the professions was only one casualty of the more widespread critique of functionalism which developed in Sociology from the 1960’s onwards. The sociology of the professions, therefore, has followed closely upon the major theoretical trends within the discipline of Sociology itself. If professions are viewed merely as service providers who enjoy a relatively protected market position, then the present government’s antimonopoly stance could be seen as being ‘against’ the interests of the occupational groups. The case of the professions who have gained considerable benefit from deregulation, in the financial sector in particular, is perhaps even more fascinating.
