Monopolistic professional closure, family credentials and examination procedures in the Venetian college of accountants (16th−17th century)

Abstract

<jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Purpose</jats:title><jats:p>The paper investigates the closure mechanisms and strategies of exclusion concerning the establishment and subsequent functioning of the Collegio dei Rasonati, the professional body of accountants that was established in Venice in 1581 and operated until the end of the 18th century.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Design/methodology/approach</jats:title><jats:p>The research design offers a critical longitudinal explanation of the emergence of the Collegio dei Rasonati as a professional body in the context of Venetian society by relying on the social closure theory elaborated by Collins (1975); Parkin (1979) and Murphy (1988).</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Findingse</jats:title><jats:p>The Collegio dei Rasonati was established to overcome the prerogatives of a social class in accessing the accounting profession. However, the pre-existing professional elites enacted a set of social closure strategies able to transform this professional body into a stronghold of their privileges.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Research limitations/implications</jats:title><jats:p>As virtually all of the evidence concerning the admission examinations has been lost over time, the investigation is restricted to the study of the few examples that have survived. The main implication of the study concerns the understanding of some dynamics leading to neutralize attempts to replace class privileges with a meritocratic system.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Originality/value</jats:title><jats:p>The research investigates the structure of the rules of social closure revealing the possibility of an antagonistic relationship between different co-existing forms of exclusion within the same structure. Moreover, it highlights that a form of exclusion can be made of different hierarchical levels.</jats:p></jats:sec>

The Professional Integration of International Medical Graduates: Implications of Restricted Certificates During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Professional groups are usually characterized in terms of three feature: a specialized body of knowledge and skills, a professional organization and a system of examination. Professional groups as gate keepers hold control and exclusivity over the acceptable knowledge and skills and through professional organizations (e.g., regulatory bodies) and examinations, they perpetuate social power and control (Sargiacomo et al, 2020).…”

“…Residency and its exams) reveals the nature of the arduous process that IMGs need to undergo before they become eligible for recertification. In fact, a regulatory body such as the CPSO in Ontario uses 'state support for licensing, excluding, and self-directing' (Sargiacomo et al, 2020). It could then be argued that the pioneer British physicians as the 'surrogate ethnic group ' (Collins, 1975) has already set up job requirements in its own favor, which is discriminatory against those who lack the expected qualifications.…”

“…Sargiacomo et al (2020) draw onCollins (1975) who argues that those in possession of the required education (i.e., the 'educated class') function as a 'surrogate ethnic group' that sets up job requirements in its own favor and discriminates against those who lack the expected qualifications. Sargiacomo et al further explain that professional qualifications are crucial because they legitimize the exclusion process.…”