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Symbolic power and professional titles: the case of “podiatric surgeon”

Discussion in 'United Kingdom' started by NewsBot, Jun 16, 2015.

  1. NewsBot

    NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

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    Symbolic power and professional titles: the case of “podiatric surgeon”
    Alan M. Borthwick, Rosalie A. Boyce & Susan A. Nancarrow
    Health Sociology Review; in press
     
  2. Admin2

    Admin2 Administrator Staff Member

  3. W J Liggins

    W J Liggins Well-Known Member

    I'm a simple podiatric surgeon and don't fully understand expressions such as 'jurisdictional disputes centred on contested task domains and role boundaries', nor have I read, or intend to read Bourdieu. I can however, relate to the history of podiatric surgery and very clearly state that in the UK the early practitioners of podiatric surgery described themselves as 'podiatrists' to differentiate their new scope of practice from chiropody. The then 'powers that be' in chiropody changed their minds and started to use the title podiatry. In order to prevent confusion, the 'podiatrists' changed their title to 'podiatric surgeon'. This was not seen as particularly a 'prestigious' title or 'symbolic capital' - there are after all tree surgeons, dental surgeons and the surgical school of chiropody - but merely descriptive term. If others see it in a different light then fine, although that appears to be a rather retroactive prophecy. As far as I am am concerned I am a podiatric surgeon ie. a podiatrist who carries out bone surgery of the foot and I care not one hoot for those who don't like it.

    Bill Liggins
     
    Last edited: Jun 17, 2015
  4. Ideology

    Ideology Active Member

    Very interesting. I am currently involved in trying to setup the recognition of specialist practice in optometry. There is plenty of controversy both within and outside of the profession. I think sometimes its not a question of who owns it, rather who knows it.
     
  5. Anyone have access to the full paper? Bill - I agree wholeheartedly; there should be no issue with "podiatric surgeon" as a title. Unfortunately it would appear the influences of other interested parties have already determined what title we can legally use in future ergo: A Podiatrist Who Practises Foot Surgery.

    At least you get a bigger badge...
     
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