Freelance - Freelance

This refers to independent self-employed people or occupations that rely on advanced and specialized knowledge and talent, such as private practitioners, lawyers, accountants, consultants, and artists, and belongs to the tertiary service industry.

As industrial society became more bureaucratic (technocratic), professionals who once enjoyed high social status due to their independence and academically backed specialized knowledge were turned into employees. However, as we approach a post-industrial society, they are once again regaining and improving their status.

[Tetsuya Hitosugi]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

開業医、弁護士、会計士、コンサルタント、芸術家など、高度かつ専門的な知識・才能に基づく独立自営業者ないしその職業のことで、第三次産業のサービス業に属する。

　産業社会の官僚制（テクノクラシー）化とともに、かつてはその独立性と学問的裏づけをもった専門的知識とにより高い社会的地位を得ていた専門職が雇用者化されていたが、脱産業社会の接近とともに、ふたたびその地位を回復・向上させつつある。

［一杉哲也］

出典　小学館　日本大百科全書(ニッポニカ)日本大百科全書(ニッポニカ)について　情報 | 凡例