In the light of professional theoretical problems and concrete reconstructions from different pedagogical fields of action and those adjacent to pedagogy, this volume examines the tendencies of professionalization in pedagogical action. First of all, the character and significance of professions - as special forms of professional action - is fundamentally clarified. The juxtaposition of different theoretical and theoretical-historical positions from sociology and educational science on the one hand and concrete field analyses on the other hand is capable of unfolding the analytical capacity of the professionalization discussion on structures and perspectives of pedagogical action - and their related sciences - that has not yet been exhausted in the Federal Republic of Germany, and is even doubtful in some cases.