The Rise of the Medical Profession

Originally published in 1976 The Rise of the Medical Profession combines a sociological and historical approach to the rise of the medical profession in England. Sociologically it offers a theoretical framework which for the first time links the study of social mobility and professionalism with the theory of stratification. Historically, it examines the movement which led to the unification of the medical profession arising from effective social organisation among the surgeon-apothecaries in the early nineteenth century. It demonstrates that through the successful pursuit of the occupational strategy of professionalism the doctors have been able to raise their income and status in the community and to dominate the institutions and organisations of medical care. In their relationship with the state, they have been generally successful in securing a recognition of their privileged position. The future of the medical profession and of professionalism is discussed in the context of the changing balance between state power and that of free private occupation associations, whether of the type based on professionalism or unionism. The ideal-type conception of the middle class as essentially individualistic is challenged by the exploration of middle class collective action, particularly professionalism.