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The word ‘professional’ derives from the Early English adjective ‘profes’, which means to explain and state ones vows. This may have come about as a distinguishing factor in separating those who were educated in the teachings of the Church from those who were not. But it also derives from the vows taken by those entering into the medieval craft guilds. In all cases, to ‘profess’ a profession (a particular work specialism) was to separate oneself from the hoy polloi. In his study The Rise of Professional Society, historian Harold Perkin states: "Where pre-industrial society was based on passive property in land, and industrial society on actively managed capital, professional society is based on human capital created by education and enhanced by strategies of closure, that is, the exclusion of the unqualified." Although professional training appears to be ideologically neutral, it may be biased towards those with higher class backgrounds. Jeff Schmidt observes that qualified professionals are less creative and diverse in their opinions and habits than non-professionals, which he attributes to the subtle indoctrination and filtering which accompanies the process of professional training. In particular, the professional is not simply distinguished by knowledge, but also by rules of behaviour and attitude. Some common expectations in the professional domain include: 1) Specific modes of dress and appearance (sometimes traditional, as in the legal profession, for example). 2) High levels of confidence in speaking and acting. 3) A bond of honesty and compliance to standards. 4) Expertise in a specific field (always determined by qualifications). 5) Refined modes of etiquette and poise. 6) Organised and structured work practices. 7) Membership of a private professional body. 8) High ethical standards of practice. However, it needs to be noted that the moral stance of professions is often a closed issue, determined purely by the nature of the traditions that a field of work has inherited from history. There is an ongoing debate about the inherent cultures within the professions, and their openness and honesty. Written and produced by Bee Groves McDaniel, October 2022.