Sociology 2169 Final: Sociology of Workplace Second Semester Final Exam Notes.docx

• School: Western University
• Department: Sociology
• Course: Sociology 2169
• Professor: Stephen Adams

Document Summary

Characteristics functionalist (because professional keeps us healthy, safe, protected, educated) Presence of a professional association (like bar exam for lawyers) Esoteric knowledge base (fairly abstract, usually not in common sense body of knowledge) Code of ethics (generally guided by a formally established code, power not abused) How professionals want to be seen , social influence and authority overlooked. Power: autonomy (discretion) [has advantages and disadvantages {for example more early misdiagnoses}, authority (authority over patients and clients, other workers) A high status professional doesn"t just have power over clients and workers; they also have power of public debates (ex. The obese debate is backed by medical professionals) [ex. Barbers don"t have a public debate about how we should do her hair] Friedson/johnson: professions best defined by the ability to control their occupation/work/labour of those who work for them. Foucault: professional knowledge are a source and product of power (full circle)