Context III: The Sacred and Profane of “Doctor”
The dynamics, interaction and pull between the Sacred and Profane is evident in the reaction to and use of “Doctor” as a title by many citizens in 21st Century societies. For instance, in many Chinese cultures, the term “Doctor” is attached to the names of prominent and successful people who have advanced degrees (usually doctorates) in a wide range of fields (including such fields as engineering and management). In other societies, the “Doctor” label is carefully monitored and restricted. Americans and Canadians, for instance, might use the term “Doctor” when speaking appreciatively of someone who has mastered a sport (he is the “doctor” of infield hits). However, great care must be taken in calling someone a doctor who has not earned it (or been granted an honorary doctorate).
We also find that the term “Doctor” is displayed not just via the diplomas hung on professional office walls and on the resumes handed out (or emailed out) by job applications. We find It used on driver’s licenses in Israel. It is also used to introduce conference speakers (during the introduction) and book authors (on the covers). The title sometimes is found on wedding announcements and other formal documents of life accomplishments. At the end of life, the word “doctor” is found on obituaries and even occasionally on the tombstone. From life to death, the designation of “Doctor” is significant.
We can even assign a percentage to the extent the word “doctor” is likely to be assigned in any one country, with regard to one’s gender, and among those graduating from specific academic institutions. This percentage ranges from zero to 100%. At Harvard University (and some other high-prestige universities), the title “doctor” is NEVER used because every professor has one, and it is gauche to present oneself as being distinguished in any way from having earned a doctoral degree. We are reminded of the Little Prince, where money is first made by bestowing a star on someone’s forehead. Then, when everyone has a star on their forehead, money is made by taking the star off someone’s forehead.
Those teaching in less prestigious universities or independent graduate schools are at the other end of the spectrum. They are highly likely to make full use of their “doctor” (and may insist on being called “Doctor” by their students). Similarly, women with doctorates are much more likely to ensure that this title is assigned to their name when working in an organization or professional world. For both the low-status faculty and many women, who are frequent victims of discrimination, the percentage hovers above 80 or even 90%.
When we move away from academia and the non-medical fields, the term “Doctor” is carefully assigned and often strictly reinforced. Rarely, as patients, do we call our “doctor” by their first name, and it would be considered offensive to use their last name without attaching “Doctor.” Dr. Smith would find it odd and perhaps challenging to his authority (and expertise) if their patient were to call them “Mr. Smith.” They might prefer being called “Jim” rather than “Mr. Smith”). This would signal that their patient feels comfortable in their professional relationship with Jim Smith, whereas being called “Mr. Smith” by their patient would signal disdain or at least uncertainty and even mistrust (regarding expertise, competency and even intention).
