The Economics of … Professional Occupations (Lawyers and Registered Nurses)
The term profession refers to an occupation, vocation, or high-status career. It usually involves prolonged academic training, formal qualifications and membership to a professional or regulatory body. Professions involve the application of specialized knowledge of a subject, field, or science to fee-paying clientele. “Professional activity involves systematic knowledge and proficiency." Professions are usually regulated by professional bodies that may set examinations of competence, act as a licensing authority for practitioners, and enforce an ethical code of practice.
Professions enjoy a high social status, regard and esteem conferred upon them by society. This high esteem arises primarily from the higher social function of their work, which is regarded as vital to society as a whole and thus of having a special and valuable nature. All professions involve technical, specialized and highly skilled work often referred to as "professional expertise." Training for this work involves obtaining the degrees and professional qualifications necessary to enter into a profession. Training also requires regular updating of skills through continuing education. Lawyers and nurses are prime examples of modern successful professional occupations.
The legal system affects nearly every aspect of our society, from buying a home to crossing the street. Lawyers form the backbone of this system, linking it to society in numerous ways. They hold positions of great responsibility and are obligated to adhere to a strict code of ethics. Lawyers, also called attorneys, act as both advocates and advisors in our society. As advocates, they represent one of the parties in criminal and civil trials by presenting ...