Professionalism as a cultural form: Knowledge, craft, and moral agency. Issue 2 (21st June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spillman, Lyn; Brophy, Sorcha A
• Is Part Of: Journal of professions and organization. Volume 5:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 155
• Page End: 166
• Publication Date: 2018-06-21
• Subjects: professions -- cultural claims-making -- expertise -- craft -- morality; Professions -- Sociological aspects -- Periodicals; Organizational behavior -- Periodicals; Organizational sociology -- Periodicals; 331.71
• DOI: 10.1093/jpo/joy007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2051-8803

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Drawing on research on business associations and physicians' associations, we argue here for a cultural theory of professions. 'Professions'—or professionalism—should be understood primarily as forms of cultural claims-making about work. Whether or how professionalism as claims-making results in organizational forms or professionalizing projects is an empirical question. We also argue that professional claims-making relies not only on abstract expertise, as has been emphasized in previous theories, but also on craft knowledge infused with moral agency.