The Recent History of Professionalism with regard to Social Structure and Social Policy

Abstract

This classic article examines the key tendencies of the development of professionalism in the first half of the twentieth century. The outstanding aspect of this work is the expertise Marshall demonstrates in combining contemporary trends and age-old themes into a common web. Professionalism is studied first in its classical ‘Victorian’ form, which is seen as the golden age of the professions. This is presented a collection of values from the aristocracy that promoted individualism and independence in the professional, both in relation to the state and the client on the one hand and toward the interests of society on the other. The key focus of the author is on the transformation of professionalism in the context of new post-war social realities; the welfare state, mass education, housing and a new view of the professions as now being servants for the good of society rather agents of their own narrow self interest. This is referred to as the ‘quiet revolution’ and is seen to be a process that occurred throughout most of the developed world. In the author’s view, the professions have not resisted this change. This explained by the point that, rather than being drivers of historical change, the professions are, in fact, merely at the mercy of the historical conditions that shape them. The balance is seen to have shifted in the professions. In many ways, the professions have been ‘socialised’; in other words put to work for society’s aims. This means a shift in emphasis away from the primacy of autonomy in their profession and a marked shift towards an overriding duty to society. The improved internalisation of the concepts of social service is seen to be at the heart of this. Although these conclusions are formed on the basis of the experience of the United Kingdom, it is the author’s view that these changes are extremely relevant for all modern societies.