Introduction
In Canadian workplaces, ‘professionalism’ often carries an invisible yet significant weight, particularly impacting marginalized individuals. Imagine a casual comment about your unique hairstyle at work, subtly hinting at its...difference.
This scenario illustrates not just a moment of personal expression but also the complex interplay between 'professionalism,' daily experiences, and mental health & wellbeing.
Conforming to certain professional norms can exacerbate stress and job dissatisfaction, especially when one's identity feels suppressed .
In this two-part blog series, we aim to delve into the follow areas:
Part 1: Understanding ‘Professionalism’ Today [this post]
Explore the History: We'll consider the historical roots of ‘professionalism’ in Canada. We’ll look at its ties to colonization, white supremacy and dominance to help us understand the origins of today's rules and norms in the workplace.
Part 2: How ‘Professionalism’ Impacts Mental Health [click here]
Connect ‘Professionalism’ to Marginalization: We'll examine how adhering to “professional standards” often leads to the marginalization of various people and communities and not others.
Understand the Mental Health Impacts: We'll explore the connection between identity suppression due to ‘professionalism’ and its effects on mental health & wellbeing.
Let’s dive into Part 1: Understanding ‘Professionalism’ Today.
The Historical Context of ‘Professionalism’ in the Workplace
If history fascinates you like it does me, you’ll find this section particularly intriguing. If not, feel free to skim through for the key points or skip to Part 2.
‘Professionalism,’ as we experience it today, is the result of a complex blend of historical, socio-political, and economic developments. Its roots are often intertwined with colonialism and white supremacy, serving as a tool to uphold a status quo favouring a privileged few (Gray, 2019).
A critical aspect of this history, particularly in the Canadian context, is the colonization of Indigenous peoples. This process involved not only the physical occupation of land but also the imposition of European cultural norms and practices, including those related to 'professionalism.' The colonial agenda sought to eliminate & assimilate Indigenous peoples into Eurocentric ways of life, devaluing and suppressing Indigenous cultures and perspectives. This legacy has had a lasting impact on what is considered 'professional' in Canada today, frequently aligning with Euro-American standards at the expense of Indigenous and other non-Western cultural expressions.
During the early industrialization period in the 19th century, ‘professionalism’ was primarily linked to trades and crafts, with skilled laborers in guilds maintaining specific standards of work and ethics (Crompton, 1990). As industrialization advanced, a shift towards more structured and hierarchical organizations emerged. This shift redefined ‘professionalism,’ now emphasizing efficiency, punctuality, and a clear separation between personal and professional life (Sox, 2007).
The post-World War II era, especially the rise of corporate culture, further molded the concept of ‘professionalism.’ This period introduced corporate dress codes, regulated work hours, and the development of corporate language, collectively establishing a more uniform professional identity (Shinn et al., 2011). The late 20th and early 21st centuries, marked by technological advancement and globalization, have broadened the scope of ‘professionalism’ to include adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and a focus on ethical practices.
However, it’s crucial to note that the evolution of ‘professionalism’ often mirrored the dominant cultural and social norms, heavily influenced by Western, particularly Euro-American, values. This Eurocentric view of ‘professionalism’ has frequently led to the marginalization of non-Western cultural norms and practices in professional settings, perpetuating power structures and inequalities. The colonization of Indigenous peoples in Canada serves as a poignant example of how these Eurocentric norms were forcibly imposed and have continued to influence perceptions of 'professionalism,' often to the detriment of cultural diversity and inclusivity (Li et al., 2021).
We'll continue to explore this more in Part 2.
Reflection & Action
As we consider the layered and complex history of 'professionalism,' it becomes evident how deeply ingrained historical influences are in shaping today's professional landscape. The journey through industrialization, the rise of corporate culture, and the ongoing process of globalization have all played pivotal roles. Equally significant is the impact of colonialism and white supremacy, especially in a country like Canada, where these forces have profoundly shaped societal norms and expectations. This history not only frames our current "professional standards" but also challenges us to rethink and reshape them for a more inclusive future.
With this context in mind, it's time for reflection and action. Consider the following questions to deepen your understanding and to contemplate the steps you can take towards fostering a more inclusive professional environment:
How does understanding the historical roots of 'professionalism' change your perception of current professional norms and standards?
In what ways have colonialism and white supremacy influenced your understanding of what is deemed 'professional' in the workplace?
How do the origins of 'professionalism' inform your understanding of workplace expectations like dress codes, work hours, and communication styles?
Reflect on the role of technological advancement and globalization in shaping modern 'professionalism.' How does this impact the inclusivity of workplaces?
Considering the historical evolution of 'professionalism,' what changes would you advocate for in your current workplace to promote a more inclusive and equitable environment?
In Part 2, we will explore how these historical perspectives of ‘professionalism’ continue to shape our workplaces today. We’ll highlight the impacts on marginalizing certain people and not others, and how this impacts mental health in contemporary workplaces.
References:
Crompton, R. (1990). Professions in the current context. Work, Employment and Society, 4(5), p. 147–166. https://doi.org/10.1177/0950017090004005008
Gray, A. (2019, Jun. 4). The Bias of 'Professionalism' Standards. Stanford Social Innvoation Review. https://ssir.org/articles/entry/the_bias_of_professionalism_standards
Li, J., Wu, N. & Xiong, S. (2021). Sustainable innovation in the context of organizational cultural diversity: The role of cultural intelligence and knowledge sharing. PLoS ONE, 16(5), e0250878. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0250878
Shinn, A., Swigart, A., Gritters, A., & Schmailzl, M (2011). Dress codes in the Workplace: Effects on Organizational Culture. Synaptic. https://central.edu/writing-anthology/2019/06/04/dress-codes-in-the-workplace-effects-on-organizational-culture/
Sox, H. C. (2007). The ethical foundations of professionalism: a sociologic history. Chest, 131(5), p. 1532-1540. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.07-0464
Blog Disclaimer: While every effort is made to provide valuable insights to inform and empower you, the author kindly asks readers to use their judgment and consult with professionals for their specific needs, as the author cannot be held responsible for individual interpretations or actions taken. The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice.
Kommentarer