Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the professional theory of Andrew Abbott as a framework for historical research of counselors in Japan. Abbott’s theory is characteristic in his very loose concept of professions, and “professional development” that focus on the multi-professional interaction as a main force of growth of professions. On the basis of analysis of these theories of Andrew Abbott, this paper tests the efficiency of theory through the Abbott’s case study about the rise of psychotherapy and counseling in American society. In conclusion, Abbott’s professional theory suggests the importance of “the birth process of intellectual group”, ”the acquiring process of new work”, and “the process of importation and change about professionalism” in the history of counselors as well as in the general professional development.
