From Pioneers to Professionals - A qualitative study of sexologists in Sweden

SummaryThis article aims to describe sexologist as a profession. Data was collected through qualitative research interviews with 34 members of the Swedish Association for Sexology. By using a sociological perspective on the professionalization process, different groups have emerged in the sexological landscape: pioneers, competence sexologists, entrepreneurs, research sexologists and the non-professionals. The informants emphasize collaboration and respect between the different domains, with the exception of those who are not considered sufficiently competent. The criteria for who gets to use the title are ongoing, just as the process of sexologist as a profession.