Members do not see these Ads. Sign Up.

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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...