The Emperors' new clothes: The socialisation and regulation of health professions

Abstract

In the context of the state regulation of a number of health professions in Aotearoa New Zealand (under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 ), this article presents a sociological narrative about how certain professional groups have developed their identity and been granted state recognition. The article identifies and discusses four mechanisms by which professions both socialise their practitioners and are themselves socialised: acculturation, assimilation, colonisation, and marginalisation. This story of how practitioners have defined and organised themselves, and when and how they gained their legally conferred status, illustrates both significant policy developments in the organisation and provision of health care services in this country, and how different health professions view their relationship to the state and to one another. The discussion offers a cautionary tale for health practitioners in other countries seeking increasing professionalisation, and for professional associations seeking increased regulation.