Career Coupling: Career Making in the Elite World of Musicians and Scientists

This article analyzes the interaction between careers of people working in artistic and intellectual worlds. Two ethnographic studies constitute basis for analysis career building connection with other actors. The concept coupling represents process by which professional success is achieved through forging relationships novice elite Career social world virtuoso musicians compared to that scientists. It was found both groups achieve status a similar fashion moving three-stage process: (1) matching; (2) active collaboration; and, (3) passive collaboration. argued developed here can also be transferred fields.