Towards a new professionalism for ‘new times’: some problems and possibilities

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine how the essential meaning of professionalism can be realised in the context of ‘new times’. ‘New times’ are characterised as revolving around the idea of ‘reflexivity’. The more fluid structures and the new ways of knowing are identified, and the social and political consequences of increasing reflexivity are reviewed. Given these new conditions, it is argued that a new professionalism is needed. The market solution to this new need is reviewed and found wanting. An alternative model is proposed based on the development of a collaborative culture of learning professionals and the vision of professional discourse constructed in line with the Habermasian ideal speech situation. Some issues relating to the institutionalisation of professional discourse are then discussed, using insights from Foucault's analysis of disciplinary power. The article concludes with an attempt to sum up the moral character and professional knowledge of the new professional with reference to a concrete example.