Revue Organisation et Travail
Volume 15, Numéro 3, Pages 61-69
2026-10-26
The Translator’s Profession From A Sociological Point Of View
Authors : Saridaki Dr. Evanthia .
Abstract
Translation is far more than the mechanical transfer of meaning from one language to another. It is a socially embedded practice shaped by institutions, power relations, cultural norms, and economic structures. From a sociological perspective, the translator’s profession can be understood as a dynamic field in which individuals negotiate identity, authority and legitimacy while operating within broader systems of globalization, technology, and cultural exchange. The research explores the translator’s profession through key sociological frameworks, including professionalization theory, Pierre Bourdieu’s field theory, the sociology of work and globalization studies. It examines how translators construct their professional identities, how their labor is valued (or undervalued), and how technological and institutional changes are reshaping the field. It further develops the discussion through case studies, particularly within the European Union and literary translation, to illustrate how translators navigate institutional frameworks and cultural hierarchies. The central argument is that translators occupy an ambivalent position: they are highly skilled cultural mediators whose work is essential in a globalized world, yet they often face low visibility, precarious working conditions and limited professional recognition. Τhus, by analyzing the profession sociologically, we can better understand both its structural constraints and its evolving opportunities.
Keywords
the sociology of work ; translators as cultural mediators ; the translator’s profession ; professionalization theory
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