ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that the “process” or “emergent” approach to the study of professions bears considerable resemblance to a common-sense point of view. It utilizes common language to order the kinds of events that professionals informally discuss among themselves—frequently with great animation. Colleagueship may be one of the most sensitive indicators of segmentation within a profession. This conception of colleagueship stresses occupational unity. Once entry to the occupation is controlled, it is assumed that all members of the occupation can be colleagues; they can rally around common symbols. Probably the areas in which professionals come most frequently into conflicts of interest are in gaining a proper foothold in institutions, in recruitment, and in relations with the outside. There are recurrent problems that segments and emerging specialties have with their fellow professionals. Sgments require different understandings, even different contractual relations, with clients and institutions.
