Activity 6.1 Perkins - my review

As I understand it, Perkins is suggesting that professionals, because of the scarceness of both their numbers and expertise, command power and authority. As such they are in a position to either realize things for the common good or potentially exploit society. If they exploit they do so either out of protecting their own interest or that of their professional class' interest. Some may be tempted to serve others with still more political or economic power.

I challenge this immediately. An expert may only be an expert in the working culture that they are accustomed to .. and from my experience the transfer of such "expertise" to another completely new milieu - work culture or social culture is rarely smooth, often clumsy and potentially harmful to both the "professional" and the client or customer they seek to serve. For example, the many education professionals who come to work in the Gulf often apply methods that they know best and are acclaimed for "at home" only to find themselves struggling to adapt because the new culture is not receptive to these "new" methods. For example, the immediate introduction of critical thinking and reflective learning to Gulf students who are accustomed to rote learning has humbled many a teacher. Insensitive understanding of business manners or methods has sent many an expert back home earlier than expected.

Also note the contrast with today's "information society". Here we see an increase in the democratization of information that has been made possible by the immediate access to it via the net. This has made challenging professionals and experts much easier than ever before. Doctors and lawyers immediately spring to mind. Many a commoner has done detailed research on cutting edge practices to address ailments that affect them personally.. and thus have a much stronger vested interest to develop informed opinion on such matters. This may have been realized to such an extent that they may be informing the so called expert or professional rather than the other way around. Other similar professional spheres?
Wealth management, personal investment, etc.