The Rise and Legitimation of Chiropractic: A Study of Professionalisation

Abstract

This thesis is an original study of the occupation of chiropractic in Australia. It is also claimed to be a contribution to the sociology of occupations. ... This thesis will examine the changes within a particular occupational group -- chiropractic. Chiropractors first came to Australia from America shortly after the First World War. Since that time, they have operated as primary-contact health care practitioners, i.e., as practitioners who have had the first contact with the patient for a health related complaint. However, until recently, they have operated outside the orthodox, state supported education and health care systems. In fact medicine, as 'the' orthodox occupation in the health care system, has vehemently opposed any attempt to introduce chiropractic into that system.