"Der Bäcker backt, der Maler malt, der Pfleger ..." - Soziologische Überlegungen zum Zusammenhang von Professionalität und Wertschätzung in der Kranken- und Altenpflege

The less public esteem for elderly care compared to sick-nursing was the reason for analyzing preconditions and effects of differences in valuation. The determination of the occupational problems of action in both occupational categories leads to a sociological scheme of professions. Empirical results of case studies offer clues to the achieved professionalization in practice. Shortcomings in valuation for the job performance appear as a consequence of institutional conditions on action and on patterns of interpretation and prejudices. These results are used to derive recommended procedures to encourage occupational self-conception and valuation. [PUB ABSTRACT]