Sociology
Social Closure and the Exclusionary Tactics of Elite Professions
Quick fact
When the American Medical Association was founded in 1847, there were many unregulated 'doctors' with varying levels of training; by the early 20th century, the profession had successfully lobbied for licensing laws that restricted practice, significantly reducing the number of physicians and raising their incomes and social standing.
Why this is interesting
Why do some jobs like doctors or lawyers command such high salaries and status, while other skilled workers do not? The answer lies not just in the value of their work, but in their ability to control who gets to do it.