Neo-Weberianism, Professional Formation and the State: Inside the Black Box

Mike Saks,Tracey L. Adams

doi:10.7577/pp.3190

Mike Saks, Tracey L. Adams

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.7577/pp.3190

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Abstract

This paper outlines a neo-Weberian approach to state-sponsored social closure in professional formation. Despite its advantages, state decision-making is not typically well-defined or examined in neo-Weberian analyses. Neo-Weberianism is differentiated from Max Weber’s own work on social action and rationality, which generally provides a more subtle interpretation of state socio-political processes. The paper explores how policy formation can be more incisively analyzed inside the black box of state decision-making from a Weberian perspective. This is exemplified by the passage of the 1858 Medical Act in the United Kingdom establishing the state-supported medical profession. While further work is necessary in filling in the black box, this paper charts an important future path for neo-Weberian analyses of professions, and their relationship with the state.

Highlights

This paper outlines a neo-Weberian approach to state-sponsored social closure in professional formation
This paper argues that Weberian conceptualizations of the state, social action and rationality shed light on professional formation, especially state decision-making on professional regulation
In the sections that follow we provide a sketch of Weberian theory on the state and social action, and subsequently highlight its utility by applying it to the case of the 1858 UK Medical Act

Summary

Introduction

This paper outlines a neo-Weberian approach to state-sponsored social closure in professional formation. Adopting the social action approach of Weber (1968) provides a more fulsome view of professional projects as activity shaped by practical rationality (means-ends calculations), formal rationality (guided by rules and law), and value rationality (including ideals of public service, honour and prestige, ethics, and the value of science), as well as interests and other factors.

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Conclusion