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Professional Associations: Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution?
Author(s) -
Black Alan W.
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
australian journal of social issues
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.417
H-Index - 30
eISSN - 1839-4655
pISSN - 0157-6321
DOI - 10.1002/j.1839-4655.1981.tb00707.x
Subject(s) - elitism , professional association , publishing , monopolistic competition , professional sport , project commissioning , social stratification , welfare , public relations , sociology , power (physics) , social welfare , social psychology , political science , monopoly , economics , social science , law , psychology , league , microeconomics , physics , astronomy , quantum mechanics , politics
This paper begins with an analysis of two streams of opinion concerning professional associations. On the one hand there are those who criticize these associations for monopolistic practices, elitism and self interest. On the other hand there are those who see professional associations as contributing positively to the welfare of society. Reasons for these differences of opinion are examined. Then the activities of professional associations are compared and contrasted with those of trade unions. This leads on to an examination of the power of professional associations, and their place within the system of social stratification. Possible countervailing forces are considered.