Professionalism Without Autonomy: The Paradox of Modern Education

Abstract

Every occupational group develops its own set of myths. They do this to make their activities more meaningful both to themselves and to the outside world. In effect, the myth fulfills the psychic needs of the individual member of the occupational group by linking his activities to symbols that enhance the worth of his activity. Thus, the nurse or the soldier can transcend the routine and what is often drudgery by identifying with the high ideals of service and patriotism; from this identification they derive meaning and a satisfaction that may not arise out of the actual work experience they are engaged in. The small business man, the minor bureaucratic official and the secretary derive a similar sense of meaning and worth that their demeaning tasks hold by appropriating the symbols of professionalism to themselves. Teachers also have their own set of myths which are ego-enhancing and which, like the other work groups, are only partially grounded in reality. I would like to suggest that the most important myth of teachers both for psychic and social reasons, is that they are professionals.