Pathology: A Study of Social Movements within a Profession

Abstract

disciplines the necessity of coping with rapidly changing conditions in their work life, changes which are dramatic even within one generation. A middleaged pathologist interviewed for this study reflected the sentiments of his peers when he remarked of the present shape of the specialty, I wouldn't know it anymore. We can expect that specialization and rapid change will increasingly characterize professions, insofar as they are based upon an expanding body of scientific knowledge and the sources of change from a more complex social organization of professional endeavor multiply. Yet, so far the sociology of occupations and professions has not been systematically concerned with processes of specialization and change in occupations. A previous paper presented the beginnings of a process or approach to the study of professions.' Its aim was to develop a theoretical framework which would focus more pointedly upon diversity and change in occupations, and provide some initial formulations of the main processes involved. The present study attempts to specify further the social processes involved in the development of professional groups. Briefly, the model with which we began posits the existence of a number of emergent groups within a profession. There are many identities, many values, and many interests to be found within the same profession, which tend to become patterned and shared. Coalitions develop and organize, both in opposition to older entrenched groups and for the furtherance of their own interests. We called these coalitions segments. We suggested, further, that segments tend to take on the character of social movements. They develop distinctive identities, a sense of the past, and goals for the future; they organize activities and tactics which will secure an insti-