Social Control of Voluntary Work Activity

Abstract

Work activities which are highly valued are often reserved for performance by "pro fessional" workers. The presumption is that such workers perform at higher levels, are more highly motivated, and are subject to strong mternal social control. A notable exception to this pattern is found in the prevalence of voluntary first aid squads. The examination of such squads allows numerous theoretical and pragmatic questions to be raised concerning the exercise of social control over important, but voluntarily performed, work. At the theoretical level, the issues ofprofessionalism, motivations, and social control are examined. On a more practical plane, various costs and benefits associated with voluntary provisions of emergency medical services are discussed. Finally, conclusions are offered concerning the theoretical nature of the so-called "gift horse syndrome," and other applications are identified.