Sociology of the workplace

¶ … sociology is a social science that studies society. This makes it multidisciplinary, since society is made up of so many divergent components. The idea is to use scientific evaluation and investigation to develop knowledge that explains how humans operate within a group (society). The founder of sociology, Max Weber, said that a profession is a group that controls entry into its own ranks so that standards of expertise and pay are regulated by that group. It can also mean a vocation that has specialized training that is used in a way that is separate from other organizations (Bruun, 2007).

Professions are: 1) occupationally related and established and maintained by a group or group of professionals; 2) the profession is collectively and individually a unique entity that possesses a body of knowledge or skills necessary to perform the duties of their particular profession; 3) the profession is organized into one or more professional associations that have broad limits of social accountability, but have autonomy in control of the standards and limits of the profession; 4) a profession requires a specialized education or training period and those who are admitted must pass a series or set of assessments to prove their expertise (Macdonald, 1995).

We do see a great many advertisements for professions in various media. There are, of course, advertisements in professional publications for doctors, etc., but one of the more controversial areas in which there is advertising is the legal profession. Certain lawyers (DUI, Criminal, Bankruptsty, Divorce, etc.) advertise on billboards, television commercials, late night infomercials, even on busses). The commonality is the type of advertisement -- "We can help you" overcome your DUI, get your Social Security Benefits, recover money from an accident, etc. The advertising message is that the consumer has nowhere to turn and needs help getting "what they deserve," usualy money or protection.

Part 2 -- There are many reasons that de-professionalization of the legal profession is proceeding, primarily among them, access to the Internet. There are many documents that individuals can use that do not really require the services of a laywer because the legal precedents and work is already completed. For instance, simple wills, rental agreements, promissory notes, some housing or rental law, etc. can simply be downloaded, information gleaned from websites, printed, notarized, and completed. In a sense, even medium-complex documents can be downloaded with simple explanations; which helps the consumer. Then, there are sites like Just Answer! In which actual lawyers answer basic questions for under $50. While their advice is not legally binding, it nevertheless can steer a person onto the right course. The Federal Government even agrees that there are divergent needs within the legal profession -- simple legal documents, and then the services of a lawyer for more complex litigation, trademark law, complex housing or personal agreements; really anything that requires litigation or is complex and contentious (United States Department of Labor, 2011).