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Abstract This is a metatheoretical examination of Simpson's overview of the history of the sociology of work. There is a broad correspondence between changes in the sociology of work and in sociological theory. The early period of the sociology of work was characterized by a micro-focus on creative actors, paralleling the dominance of the similarly oriented symbolic interaction theory. The middle period of the sociology of work witnessed a shift to a focus on more macro-level phenomena and their impact on more passive actors; this corresponded with the ascendancy of more macro-level theories like structural functionalism, conflict theory, and some varieties of neo-Marxian theory. More recently, there has been a rise of more integrated micro-macro concerns in the sociology of work and Simpson calls for even more of this kind of work. The 1980s have witnessed a boom in theoretical work on micro-macro integration. Sociologists of work have much to learn from this literature and theorists could learn from the empirical work on micro-macro integration in the sociology of work. Some elements of a synthetic micro-macro approach to the sociology of work are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Weberian theory of rationalization, especially the concepts of formal and substantive rationality and the conflict between them, are used to analyze contemporary changes affecting the medical profession. Three major types of changes are discussed--changes in government policies, the changing nature of medical delivery systems, and changes within medical delivery systems. It is argued that these changes are impelling the medical profession away from substantive rationality and in the direction of formal rationality. Increasing formal rationality is likely to lead to greater external control over physicians and to a decline in the ability of the medical profession to distinguish itself from bureaucrats and capitalists. These changes, in turn, are likely to lead to some degree of deprofessionalization of physicians. Alternative future scenarios are also mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]