The System of Professions: An Essay on the Division of Expert Labor

Book Description

In The System of Professions Andrew Abbott explores central questions about the role of professions in modern life: Why should there be occupational groups controlling expert knowledge? Where and why did groups such as law and medicine achieve their power? Will professionalism spread throughout the occupational world? While most inquiries in this field study one profession at a time, Abbott here considers the system of professions as a whole. Through comparative and historical study of the professions in nineteenth- and twentieth-century England, France, and America, Abbott builds a general theory of how and why professionals evolve.

Customer Reviews:

one of the best books in social science.......2004-04-04

When academic writings in social science have largely become fastfood (i.e., you can finish a book in a few hours and then summarize it in 2-3 sentences), you can barely find a book that is both original and systematic to some substantial extent. Andrew Abbott's The System of Professions is an extraodinary exception.

In this book, Abbott argues that each profession is bound to a set of tasks by ties of jurisdiction, the strengths and weaknesses of these ties being established in the processes of actual professional work. The central thesis of the book is that the professions make up an interdependent system, in which each profession has its activities under various kinds of jurisdiction. Jurisdictional boundaries are perpetually in dispute. Professions develop through competitions for jurisdictions over work.

Abbott's focus on professional work and interaction is clearly an ecological perspective along the line of the famous Chicago tradition in sociology. If you are interested in knowing more about this tradition, another book by the same author - Department and Discipline - would be a good place to start from.

As I said, you could not finish the book in one night without missing some really fascinating stuff. You'd probably also be amazed by the incredible coherence in Abbott's theory. For the sociology of professions, this book is both revolutionary and devastating - the field has been dead for more than 15 years since it was published in 1988!

Something rare: a new idea.......2003-01-23

When I was thinking about writing the history of a professional society, I was urged to do some reading on professions. It was discouraging. The authorities had been going in circles for years, until Abbott came along and clarified the topic. His book was well-received; as I recall he was a visiting professor in New Jersey before it was published, and a full professor at Chicago soon afterwards.

Actually, there are several new ideas. One them is that professions restrict their markets when they attempt to raise their fees by adding barriers to entry. Since demand is stable or rising, this creates opportunity for other groups to move in "below." As physicians' time becomes ever more valuable, RNs achieve the status of practitioners and LPNs fill in. Aides are now certified, and so on. This seminal idea was published in 1988. Almost ten years later, Clayton Christensen described in his well-regarded Innovators' Dilemma how a corporate fixation on upselling existing customers assured that less lucrative markets would be neglected, providing rich opportunities for new entrants. The parallel is striking.

Whether you have any interest in his topic, Abbott's exposition is worth studying as a model of effective rhetoric. And the writing is vivid; he worked for years in a large mental hospital, "After five years, . . . I had helped administer several tons of thorazine, mellaril and their cousins . . ."

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The System of Professions: An Essay on the Division of Expert Labor
Andrew (Author) Abbott
Manufacturer: University Of Chicago Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Expert Systems | Artificial Intelligence | Computer Science | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000OON6G2

Book Description

William Winters was unlike most of the young soldiers who answered the Union’s appeal for men in 1861 and 1862. He was different from many of his comrades in age and point of view, and his war service was also out of the ordinary.

The last great surge of popular voluntary enlistment swept up Winters, a thirty-two-year-old saddle and harness maker and father of three from Indiana. Like so many others in the Civil War, Winters was a prolific correspondent, and through his letters we have a record of some lesser-known campaigns. Winters served in the siege of Vicksburg and in the Red River Campaign, frequently as a nurse, a role that emphasized for him the darker side of the war. These letters and journal entries show a sensitive man who reflects upon both the loveliness of the southern locales in which he found himself and the hideousness of war.

Book Description

The only source for international and economic data, this Report has been enlarged to include more than 80 tables and 600 indicators offering the most recent observations and comparisons to earlier decades. This third edition retains its basic thematic presentation with six sections: World View, People, Environment, Economy, States and Markets, and Global Links.

Customer Reviews:

Scorsese in his own time and words.......2000-04-16

Martin Scorsese is the greatest living film director. There is little doubt of that. Much can be gained by hearing what he has to say on the topic of film. He does provide a lot of it here. Scorsese divulges more about his films here than most might ever want to know. In one particularly dizzying section, he is asked questions about "Mean Streets" and "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" for fifty plus pages. The most intriguing thing is that all the interviews come from different eras, and it is quite interesting to see how he has changed throughout the years. I thought this was a great quick read and enjoyed it throughly. This book is essential reading for all Scorsese and cinema fans.

A Personal Journey With Martin Scorsese Through American Movies

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A wonderful companion to the DVD.
It's kind of corny
Highly recommed book to supplement the programme
TYPICAL PICTURE BOOK

A Personal Journey With Martin Scorsese Through American Movies
Martin Scorsese , and Michael Henry Wilson
Manufacturer: Hyperion Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0786863285

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful companion to the DVD........2002-12-29

This extraordinary book on the last hundred years American cinema is an exceptionally well written, edited and researched document of the film, without any of the usual scholarly classroom didactics or conceited Hollywood self-congratulatory posturing. Scorsese's humble voice is evident throughout, and it is one of self-confidence, clarity and enthusiasm. The book is a wonderful companion to the DVD.

It's kind of corny.......2000-02-17

I was reading it to find out some tips, yet it was a corny book. I didn't like it.

Highly recommed book to supplement the programme.......1998-08-15

This book is more of a transcript of the 4½ hour long master piece of the documentary, but it's curtainly worth the money. Here you have all the still pictures from the hundreds of film Scorsese comments in his programme. A book for every filmbuffs bookself.

TYPICAL PICTURE BOOK.......1998-07-11

YOU WOULD THINK THE AUTHORS WOULD WRITE SOMETHING. THEY PROBABLY TALKED AND TRANSCRIBED WHAT SCORSESE SAID. YOU FIGURE WITH A GUY LIKE SCORSESE THAT HE WOULD HAVE A LOT TO SAY ABOUT HIS FAVORITE MOVIES AND THE MOVIES THAT INFLUENCED HIM SO MUCH. HE DOES NOT DO THAT IN THIS BOOK. IT IS FULL OF NICE PICTURES, BUT NOT MUCH AS INFORMATION GOES. YOU EXPECT TO LEARN SOMETHING ABOUT THE MOVIES HE LOVES BUT HE DOESN'T GIVE ANY USEFUL INFORMATION. HE PROBABLY THOUGHT THAT IF IT HAD A LOT OF GLOSSY STILLS OF HIS FAVORITE MOVIES THE BOOK WOULD SELL. THE THING IS THIRTY DOLLARS AND NOT REALLY WORTH IT. HE SEEMS TO BE SAYING THE SAME THINGS OVER AND OVER WHEREVER YOU READ ABOUT HIM OR SEE HIM ON TV. HE IS AN EXPERT BUT WHY DOESN'T HE SHOW THAT IN THIS BOOK. IT IS VERY VERY SKIMPY AND UNLIKE HIS MOVIES LACK CONTENT. IF HE SPENT MORE TIME WITH THE BOOK INSTEAD OF HAVING SOMEONE ELSE WRITE IT AND THEN CHECK AND OKAY THE BOOK, THE BOOK MAY HAVE TURNED OUT TO BE SOMETHING OF A GREAT BOOK ON FILM AND FILM HISTORY AS WELL AS THE FIRST GREAT FILM CRITICISM BOOK BY A WORKING FILM DIRECTOR SINCE THE BOOKS OF TRUFFAUT. THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM. WHAT HE SHOULD DO NOW IS REWRITE THE BOOK FOR THE PAPERBACK RELEASE. THIS BOOK IS NOT WORTH THE WEIGHT.

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The Future is Now
Excellent commentary by prominent film makers and critics.

The Future of The Movies
Roger Ebert , and Gene Siskel
Manufacturer: Andrews McMeel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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jp-unknown2 | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 0836262166

Customer Reviews:

The Future is Now.......2003-02-05

In this little book, two of film's most visible critics, Roger Ebert and the late Gene Siskel, interview three of the most influential film directors of the last 30 years: Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and George Lucas. (Scorsese is interviewed by both Ebert and Siskel. Spielberg is interviewed by Siskel; Lucas by Ebert.)

Much of the focus of this little book is directed toward film preservation, although the title of the book also refers to trends in filmmaking. It is interesting to see the predictions that all three directors made for the future of film when these interviews were conducted in 1990. Along the way, we gain a bit of insight into the passion these three directors (and these two critics) have for films and their future. An interesting look for the casual fan or the serious film lover.

116 pages

Excellent commentary by prominent film makers and critics........1999-09-08

A must-have for film fans. In what other book can one get so intimate about films with acclaimed film makers Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and George Lucas, along with prominent film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert. Simply put, facinating, and a pure joy to read. Plus, the proceeds go to restoring films, such as JAWS, that are literally disappearing.

Scorsese on Scorsese (Directors on Directors)

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A Master of His Craft, in His Own Voice
A Book That Would Satisfy ANY Scorsese Fan
Answers Scorsese Fans' FAQS
A fascinating peek inside the mind of a film master
An absolute must for the Scorsese-reverent

Scorsese on Scorsese (Directors on Directors)
David Thompson
Manufacturer: Faber & Faber
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0571152430

Amazon.com

True to its title, this book lets Martin Scorsese speak for himself. In what is essentially a long and fascinating interview, David Thompson and Ian Christie encourage Scorsese to recall the whole of his life, from his childhood in Little Italy to the creation of his most recent films. More than any major director working in America today, Scorsese proves himself to be terrifically articulate and wonderfully open when speaking about his life and work. Scorsese on Scorsese also contains a biography, a filmography and lots of terrific behind-the-scenes photographs.

Book Description

Martin Scorsese's challenging and often controversial films are a record of the most personal achievement in modern American cinema. Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Gooodfellas--these titles conjure up a world and a style of filmmaking that he has made his own, one of a savage beauty of great intensity and truth.

The interviews which make up this book chart the journey that Scorsese has taken across the years in search of new subjects to engage and absorb him, and in the process reveal a man who, like Michael Powell and Francios Truffaut, has an unbridled passion for film--a passion which is evident in every frame of his work.

This new, revised edition includes chapters on Goodfellas, Cape Fear, The Age of Innocence, and other projects up to Casino, thus bringing up to date the story of America's most exciting and articulate contemporary filmmaker.

Customer Reviews:

A Master of His Craft, in His Own Voice.......2007-03-04

Now that Hollywood has finally given Scorsese his due with what amounted to a career-Oscar, the time is ripe to read the revised edition of this superb book. The questions asked of the director are intelligent, not fawning, and his answer's are lengthy and fascinating. The generous space devoted to his childhood and early years help one better understand why Scorsese has been so attracted to a particular genre and how he executes it so well. This director is, of course, immensely knowledgeable about the history of film, and his comments on other directors' work are fascinating. A readable mine of information about one of the most important popular artists of our time.

A Book That Would Satisfy ANY Scorsese Fan.......2002-07-07

I bought this book out of respect and deep admiration for Martin Scorsese. What I got was keen insight into a creative genius. The numerous interviews reveal a side to Scorsese that not many people see outside the camera. It's a lot more personal than that. When he talks about his movies, he ultimately parallels them to what his life was like at that time. So it's a fine blend of his personal life mixed with his professional life. There's also the obvious vibe that this man always was and always will be a student of film; his passion is infinite. Perhaps that's what makes him as influential and well-respected as he is.
You're the best there is, Marty!!

Answers Scorsese Fans' FAQS.......2001-03-30

This reader felt almost privileged to read these interviews, lectures, and conversations with Martin Scorsese. He simply shares everything, and indeed he is, if nothing else, a true fan of movies!

The insightful words of Scorsese, arranged to parallel his filmography up through New York Stories, are annotated by the redoubtable editors Thompson and Christie. Scorsese is arguably the greatest postmodern artist, (and I would have to say the only postmodernist I unhesitatingly adore -with possible exception of Matt Groening), and the reader really gets to see how Scorsese constructs a film. His inspirations are as predictable as directors Pasolini and Powell, yet as diverse as Mahatma Ghandi and Little Richard. He loves all with equanimity and enthusiasm.

That's the joy of this book... the guy loves movies, loves making them, and all that energy just shines through.

Extremely valuable resource for the student of film, but good fun for the humble film buff, too. Bonus: interesting black and white photos you won't find elsewhere. Excellent (though naturally out-of-date) filmography appendix.

A fascinating peek inside the mind of a film master.......2000-12-29

I absolutely devoured this book, essentially reading in two sittings a day apart. A rare and privledged look into the mind of Scorsese in his own words, followers of his work will be thrilled with the insights and anecdotes. Anyone half-aware of the man's work can recognize the thought that goes into it, but these interviews reveal the incredible depth and passion for film and its history that underlies his craft.

An essential read for anyone that considers her- or himself a film buff.

An absolute must for the Scorsese-reverent.......1999-07-06

There are few filmmakers more brilliant than Martin Scorsese, and this book provides wonderful insight into the sources of his obsessions. Almost any book on Scorsese is worth reading, but this volume gives equal time to his less-appreciated, (but no less wonderful), films like The King of Comedy and After Hours. By far, the most informative book on Scorsese yet.

Confrontations avec Raymond Depardon, Daniel Humair, Emir Kusturica, Artazvad Pelechian, Claude Regy, Alain Rocca, Martin Scorsese (Les mardis de la FEMIS)

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Confrontations avec Raymond Depardon, Daniel Humair, Emir Kusturica, Artazvad Pelechian, Claude Regy, Alain Rocca, Martin Scorsese (Les mardis de la FEMIS)

Manufacturer: FEMIS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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Book Description

In 1959, just one step ahead of the law, Ian Ferguson's parents left the sophisticated big-city life of Edmonton for Fort Vermilion — once a fur-trapping frontier town, now a remote aboriginal settlement in northernmost Alberta. There, Ian and his six brothers and sisters grew up without indoor plumbing, electricity, central heating, or even a radio. Beginning with the dramatic events surrounding his birth (including a paddlewheel ferry heading for destruction, a legendary rowboat trip, and a life-and-death race against time), the richly recalled events of Ferguson's life and a vivid array of characters make for a taut and appealingly idiosyncratic tale.

Customer Reviews:

A memorable case of growing up among lovable misfits .......2005-06-11

Written and narrated by author Ian Ferguson, Village Of The Small Houses: A Memoir Of Sorts is an hilarious and highly recommended account of growing up poor in the far north when in 1959, just ahead of the law, Ferguson's con-artist father Hank headed up north in a delapidated Mercury Zephyr with his pregnant wife, Louise. Hank got as far as isolated Fort Vermilion where he passed himself off as a teacher at the "Indian school" and settled his ever-expanding family in a house devoid of plumbing and electricity. The lively recounting of a scrappy childhood, Ferguson interweaves truth, tall-tale exag-geration, and a memorable case of growing up among lovable misfits in this 2 CD, 2 1/2 hour autobiographical account.

Interesting story set in the far north.......2005-04-08

The story here is about growing up in the far north. It begins in the 1950's when a con-artist father, Hank, leaves Edmonton with his pregnant wife and eventually passes himself off at the Indian school as a teacher. Hank settles his family in remote Fort Vermilion. The cast of loveable misfits struggle with the day-to-day harsh reality of being in Canada's third-poorest community. Winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Fiction

Brilliant!.......2004-10-14

I loved every page of this book. The writing is excellent and the story flows really well. There are so many moving moments in this book that I shed a tear on a number of occassions. I also laughed my head off quite a bit. What more can one ask of a memoir? Well done Ian!

Small houses-big characters.......2004-10-11

I read Ian Fergusons `biography of sorts` on a recent visit to Canada.The book was un-put-down-able,such well shaped characters,such wonderfully evoked scenery. Full of humour and pathos. When does the movie come out?

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