The professionalization of sexology in Quebec

The process of professionalization of sexology in Quebec is analysed using the framework of sociology of professions. The elaboration and coordination of the practice of sexology are presented through six strategic steps: the identification of new sexual needs, the creation of sexology as a new branch of knowledge, the institutionalisation of sexology, the professional training of sexologists, the acquisition of a social reconnaissance, and the formation of a professional identity and autonomy. According to the interactionist approach, sexology built itself through the interactions bound between sexologists and concerned persons (namely the members of the university and the users of sexology services). The acquisition of graduate autonomy and the development of a professional organization allows one to assume that the above mentioned sexology strategies have succeeded, but the professionalization of sexology has not yet been accomplished. (C) 2006 Elsevier SAS. Tous droits reserves.