Physicians and Professionalism

Medical professionalism has been a major focus of sociological analysis. Earlier sociological writings were basically divided into two categories: those which argued, or assumed, that the profession's actions were influenced by altruistic motives (i.e., the interests of their patients) and those who argued that their actions were influenced by their own self-interest or that of other groups. More recent analysis has focused on the extent to which medical power and authority is under threat and in decline, how the medical profession has responded, and if new forms of medical professionalism have emerged in the context of broader social and political change.