The Academic Profession in Europe: A View from the Status Perspective

Interest in the status and functions, the potentials and the vulnerability of the academic profession has grown in recent years. International comparison is of special interest in this context: are the problems experienced universal or country-specific? Are there options and conditions in individual countries which might suggest solutions for the future? This paper analyses the findings and implications of the 'International Survey on the Academic Profession' with a special focus on the rank structure and various subgroups of academics in the European countries involved in this empirical study. The analysis focuses on the way academics handle their various professional tasks and functions, their institutional commitment and influence, as well as aspects of job satisfaction and faculty morale. This paper shows the general trends and common elements as regards the forces of integration and fragmentation of various status groups within the academic professions as well as the substantial differences according to country.