Professionalism Between Individualism and Collectivity in the Field of Knowledge Work

The paper discusses the interplay of three features of knowledge work: (1) professionalism, based on knowledge, work experience and identification, (2) a strong drive of individualism, resulting from a highly competitive market, and (3) collectivity within the professional field. After re-conceptualising knowledge work from a sociology of professions perspective the limitations and potentialities of the mobilisation of collective action are empirically reconstructed on the basis of two professional associations in the formation process within the cultural sector in Germany.