Deconstructing the concept of profession: A prerequisite to carving a niche in a changing world

Abstract

In Australia, as overseas, much discussion is given in the literature to the question of the occupational status of occupational therapy in the health division of labour. Many authors base their analysis, implicitly and explicitly, on the concept of profession derived from the so‐called ‘trait’ approach. This paper critically examines the shaping influence that trait theory has exerted on occupational therapists' perspectives of profession. In doing so, the paper argues that dependence on this monistic approach goes some way towards explaining the confusion that characterizes much of the writing on the status of occupational therapy. Apart from creating confusion, it is argued that the trait approach results in a state of ‘false consciousness’ among practitioners and obscures the political character of the professionalization project. The paper concludes with a discussion of the future of occupational therapy and explains why it is unlikely that this occupation will achieve the privileges and rewards of the traditional professions.

Commentary: Regulatory dividends of scandal – the Chelmsford legacy?

“…But regulation takes many forms beyond traditional command and control or individual 'complaint-policing' styles. 9 The reforms stemming from Chelmsford certainly include a better appreciation of the deficiencies of undue reliance on professional self-regulation 10 and recognition of the need for tighter medical registration and complaints law. 2 The NSW Health Complaints Commission (HCCC) -with its unique-to-Australia coregulatory approach with relevant professional boards and its dual investigatory and prosecutions role along with its complaints and conciliation arm -was one very direct result, commencing work in 1994.…”