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The vulnerability of quasi-professional experts: A study of the changing character of US airline pilots’ work

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  • Amy L Fraher

Abstract

This article contributes to ‘sociology of professions’ theory through the study of changes that occurred in US airline pilots’ work. Findings reveal that airline pilots are quasi-professional experts who developed specialized skills based on talent and experience which allowed them to work autonomously and enjoy a correspondingly high sense of trust and prestige for which they were often well compensated. However, results of this study suggest high labour costs and weak professional communities leave quasi-professional experts vulnerable to managerial cost-cutting and work intensification agendas, particularly during periods of merger, downsizing and other forms of industry restructuring. Findings signal a deprofessionalization of some elite fields in which experts’ specialized skills become devalued and the industry-specific nature of their expertise reduces career options and job mobility. Although the present study identifies this trend in aviation, recent changes in a wide range of industries from healthcare to high-tech portend applicability in a variety of domains.

Suggested Citation

  • Amy L Fraher, 2019. "The vulnerability of quasi-professional experts: A study of the changing character of US airline pilots’ work," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 40(4), pages 867-889, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:40:y:2019:i:4:p:867-889
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X16668580
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Goehlich, Robert A. & Bebenroth, Ralf, 2025. "Pilots’ desire to become future space tourism pilots: Polynomial regression using response surface analysis," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 509-520.

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