Answer :
Elitism is not a chief characteristic of professions, which are instead defined by autonomy, specialized knowledge, and authority within a field of expertise.
The characteristic that is NOT a hallmark of professions is c. elitism. Professions are typically defined by having autonomy, meaning professionals have the independence to make decisions within their area of expertise. They also possess specialized knowledge which they have acquired through extensive training and education. Additionally, professionals often have a degree of authority in their field, recognized by both peers and society. This authority is grounded in their specialized knowledge and expertise. On the contrary, elitism, which may manifest in certain professions, is not considered a defining characteristic of a profession in and of itself. While it’s true that some professions may have exclusive or elitist elements, this is not a feature that is necessary or inherent to the concept of being a profession.
