Abstract
This article outlines 3 basic elements crucial for the development of a new field--a paradigm, talent & instit'ization--& considers the basic stages through which the soc sci's have passed in association with diff insiti'al structures. The 5 stages in instit'ization are those of (1) the solitary sci'st, (2) amateur sci, (3) emerging academic sci, (4) established sci, & (5) big sci. It is suggested that substantial numbers of individuals working in a professional area bring about increased DofL, specialization competition, & decentralization of decision-making. In addition to the structural characteristics, however, is the importance of the general value of subjective universalism. The subjective feeling that good work will be rewarded in, at least, the medium term is fundamental. The empirical examples are few & brief, drawn esp from a recent study focusing on France (T. Clark, PROPHETS AND PATRONS -- Cambridge, Mass: Harvard U Press, 1973), but the framework could easily be extended to other countries & fields. The article concludes with some brief remarks concerning sci policy. AA.