This much-needed book provides a systematic introduction, both conceptual and applied, to the sociology of the professions. Keith Macdonald guides the reader through the chief sociological approaches to the professions, addressing their strengths and weaknesses. The discussion is richly illustrated by examples from and comparisons between the professions in Britain, the United States and Europe, relating their development to their cultural context. The social exclusivity that professions aim for is discussed in relation to social stratification, patriarchy and knowledge, and is thoroughly illustrated by reference to examples from medicine and other established professions, such as law and architecture. The themes of the book are drawn together in a final chapter by means of a case study of accountancy.

This book was originally published in 1970. The concept of profession and the characteristics by which certain occupations are claimed to enjoy professional status is a highly appropriate example of the kind of conceptual area which this series aims to explore. As in the first two volumes, on Social Stratification and Migration, the purpose of this volume was to raise a number of questions about the adequacy of theoretical concepts used by sociologists and others to describe social phenomena. Each of the papers expresses a certain dissatisfaction with many of the basic assumptions, which were apparent in much of the literature. The editor in his introductory paper discusses some aspects of the relation of professions to the development of ideology and specified intellectual traditions in the universities. He raises a number of questions about the significance of different 'areas of competence' in which professionals practise in relation to the concerns of the wider society.

Occupational sociology textbook on the effects of social change on occupational structures and social structures - examines briefly the antecedents of contemporary occupations, current labour force composition, individual's responses to work (incl. Motivations, job satisfaction, etc.), aspects and phases of professionalism, social stratification, the impact of technological change, etc. References and statistical tables.