The University Professor Between Academic Status and Ethical Responsibility: A Sociological Perspective in the Moroccan Context

Abstract

This article explores the dialectical relationship between academic status and professional responsibility of university professors in Morocco, drawing on a qualitative sociological approach based on semi-structured interviews with twenty faculty members from diverse disciplines and institutions. The findings indicate that academic status is not merely determined by rank or seniority, but is constructed through the accumulation of scientific capital (peer-reviewed publications, doctoral supervision, and participation in research projects), alongside symbolic capital reflected in institutional and social recognition. Ethical integrity and teaching quality also emerged as key determinants of sustainable academic legitimacy. The study highlights the tension between the pursuit of international recognition—through publications and rankings—and the fulfillment of teaching, ethical, and societal commitments. These results underscore the specific dynamics of the Moroccan university, where maintaining academic status requires balancing scientific excellence, moral integrity, and meaningful societal engagement. Key words: Academic status; Responsibility; University professors; Morocco; Bourdieu; Weber; Castells. Received Date: July 19, 2025 Accepted Date: August 11, 2025 Published Date: August 30, 2025 Available Online at https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/434