The sociology of professional knowledge primarily examines how professional knowledge is socially constructed, negotiated, and legitimized within specific social and cultural contexts.

The sociology of professional knowledge emphasizes the social and collaborative nature of knowledge production, highlighting the role of social interactions, negotiations, and power dynamics in shaping professional knowledge.

Professional closure refers to the strategies and mechanisms employed by professionals to maintain their exclusive control over their knowledge and expertise, often through the establishment of licensing requirements, educational standards, and professional associations.

The sociology of professional knowledge challenges traditional notions of expertise by demonstrating that professional knowledge is not solely based on individual talent or merit, but is also shaped by social factors such as power dynamics, social networks, and cultural values.

The sociology of professional knowledge recognizes the intricate relationship between power and knowledge, arguing that they are mutually constitutive and reinforcing. Power shapes the production, dissemination, and use of knowledge, while knowledge, in turn, legitimizes and reinforces power structures.

The sociology of professional knowledge contributes to understanding professional ethics by exploring the social and cultural factors that influence professional ethical decision-making, such as professional norms, values, and power dynamics.

The sociology of professional knowledge suggests that professional education should focus on developing critical thinking skills and a reflexive understanding of professional knowledge, enabling professionals to critically evaluate the social and cultural factors that shape their knowledge and practice.

The sociology of professional knowledge contributes to understanding the role of professions in society by examining their social and cultural functions, analyzing their impact on social inequality, exploring their relationship with the state, and investigating other relevant aspects.

Professional jurisdiction refers to the area of knowledge and practice that a profession claims as its exclusive domain, often through the establishment of licensing requirements, educational standards, and professional associations.

The sociology of professional knowledge challenges the idea of professional autonomy by emphasizing the social and cultural embeddedness of professions, highlighting the influence of external stakeholders on professional decision-making, and questioning the ability of professions to self-regulate effectively.

Professional habitus refers to the set of dispositions, values, and practices that shape professional behavior, often acquired through professional education and socialization, and which influence how professionals perceive, interpret, and respond to their work and professional environment.

The sociology of professional knowledge contributes to understanding the relationship between professions and the public by examining the ways in which professions communicate with and interact with the public, analyzing the impact of professions on public policy and decision-making, exploring the role of professions in shaping public opinion and attitudes, and investigating other relevant aspects.

The implications of the sociology of professional knowledge for professional practice include that professionals should be aware of the social and cultural factors that shape their knowledge and practice, be reflexive about their own professional habitus and its influence on their work, and engage in critical self-reflection and continuous learning to adapt to changing social and cultural contexts.

One of the key criticisms of the sociology of professional knowledge is that it is too focused on the social and cultural aspects of professional knowledge and neglects the technical and scientific aspects, which are essential for understanding the expertise and competence of professionals.