Geoffrey Millerson - The Qualifying Associations

THE QUALIFYING ASSOCIATIONS

A Study in Professionalization

by

GEOFFREY MILLERSON

First published in 1964 by
Routledge

Reprinted in 1998, 2000
by Routledge
2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN

Transferred to Digital Printing 2007

1964 Geoffrey Millerson

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Publisher's Note

The publisher has gone to great lengths to ensure the quality of this reprint
but points out that some imperfections in the orginal may be apparent

IN Britain, comparatively little has been written about professions. Apart from the classic studies of Carr-Saunders and Wilson, and the Webbs, plus passing comments from various authors, the field does not appear to have attracted much attention. There are historical accounts of a few professions (such as teachers, architects and nurses) and numerous histories of organizations, but not a great deal more.

This book looks at one important aspect of professionalism, the way to professional status through organization. It describes the Qualifying Association, a type of organization which attempts to qualify individuals for practice in a particular occupation. By setting more or less rigid entrance requirements, in terms of age, education and training, examination success and experience, these associations aim to provide a qualification.

The modern Qualifying Associations first appeared during the nineteenth century. Early organizations demonstrated their ability to transform an occupation slowly, raising standards, improving training and education, and even more importantbuilding the occupation's status. Undoubtedly, notable achievements encouraged other occupations to exploit the same means. As a result, this type of association became the apparent symbol of professional status. Consequently for the last hundred years, groups of individuals have formed Qualifying Associations, thus laying claim to the designation profession. Because approximately one hundred and sixty such associations now exist in England and Wales alone, their whole nature grows increasingly confused and suspect, their value seems distorted. A closer inspection of structure and work reveals extensive variations in standards. Quite clearly, they are not all of equal merit. Some associations deserve the designation professional, others do not. But what is the significance of the elusive terms profession and professional? These concepts are not easily defined.

In order to gain a better understanding of the Qualifying Associations, it is necessary to start with some examination of the idea of professionalism. Chapter One considers the problems of presenting a definition of profession, the basis of the process involved in professionalization, and the general development of professional organization. In fact, the system of professional organization contains several types of association. The various forms are outlined in Chapter Two. The rest of the book concentrates on an analysis of the Qualifying Association: the background of development; structure; educational functions; control over membership, and so on.

While many aspects of structure and work separate the best associations from the mediocre or indifferent, there are numerous organizations in the middle range, which make a useful contribution to their particular occupations. Really, the complete set of Qualifying Associations forms a hierarchy, split up into several strata. All kinds of real and unreal distinctions lead to the divisions. Yet it would be a misguided exercise to try indicating the position of each association.

Much abuse of the system has produced a battery of useless, unnecessary, badly managed associations. Nevertheless the total effect has been beneficial. The range and depth of improvement throughout society is beyond dispute. The object of this book is to offer an account of these bodies, in the hope that such a study will help to further comprehension of the complex process of professionalization.

GEOFFREY MILLERSON

MANY people have contributed directly or indirectly to this book. In particular, I would like to thank Professor D. V. Glass, Dr Asher Tropp and Dr Stephen Cotgrove, who helped at various stages with their comments and criticisms.

My greatest debt is to the associations themselves, who proved continuously willing to supply information, discuss problems and offer every possible aid. I acknowledge with special thanks the permission given by associations listed in Appendix I, to publish certain facts about their structure. These associations are indicated thus(*), among the following organizations which supplied information: