Bio: (1918-2006) American sociologist. He graduated and received his doctorate from Harvard University. He has taught at Barnard College and Columbia University. He studied the social structure from a functionalist perspective and made significant contributions to the sociology of science and the sociology of medicine, especially to human medical research.

In ”Some problems in the sociology of professions”(1963), Barber, from a functionalist viewpoint, studies the role, position, and rewards of higher professionals. He argues that ‘four essential attributes’ are pertinent to all professions. 1. Professionals are required to have a systematic and generalised knowledge applicable to a variety of issues. I. e. physicians treat a wide range of medical conditions. 2. Professionals are guided by public service and interest of the community rather than focusing on seeking selfish goals. 3. Professionals are obliged to follow a stringent code of ethics that is established by professional associations and is overseen and enforced through punishment by them and other public and private institutions. 4. Due to their contributions to the well-being of society, professionals are justly rewarded with high social status, power, and higher salaries. 

Main works

”Some problems in the sociology of professions”, in Daedalus (1963)

Stability and Social Change (1972);

Sociology of Science (1978);

Science and the Social Order (1978);

Informed Consent in Medical Therapy and Research (1980);

Logic and Limits of Trust (1986);

Constructing the Social System (1993).