De-Professionalisation or a New Approach to Professionalism?

Abstract

This paper examines the concepts of participation and de-professionalisation as used in the developmental model of Benn (1981). It reviews the documented use of the developmental model or approach in the original Family Centre Project and three later projects.

Seven features of the concept of participation are identified as used in the developmental model. An alternative definition of de-professionalisation is proposed.

Further, the paper argues that the developmental model implicitly draws on a range of knowledge and skills which are part of human service education. The developmental model, therefore, is viewed as a new approach to professionalism which is consumer and change oriented.