ABSTRACT
Most economists, even those in business, think of themselves as being "professionals". The professions are an outstanding antithesis to the assumption that every individual is driven to maximize his own personal economic gain. One of the most important characteristics that set the professional off from other workers is that the member of the profession is expected to place the interest of his client, patient, or pupil above his own financial interests. On the continent of Europe, the state plays a much bigger role. In France, when a profession is recognized by the state it takes organizational form through governmental regulations. Guy Benveniste has pointed out that professionals have become the largest single category of American workers and that most American workers now aspire to secure some of the status professionals have conquered. Professionalization of the work force is encouraged by the fact that the culture of modem high-income economies accepts and values professions.
