This study views interpreting as a socially-oriented activity and the professional interpreter as an agent who interacts with the other stakeholders at events mediated by simultaneous interpreting. Its main aim is to describe and explain interpreters´ attitudes and beliefs regarding their profession, as well as their actions and reactions concerning the other agents who take part in the events at which they work. The source and nature of the pressures and restrictions which affect interpreters´ performance are identified, as is the profession´s response to them on a worldwide and national (Brazilian) level. These issues are viewed from the perspective of interpreters themselves, taking their own professional experiences and expectations as the core focus. A historical overview of interpreting is presented in contrast with that of translation and the prevailing attitudes towards both areas at given moments in time are described. The rapid changes as of the 20th century seen in both the activities and their respective professional and academic structuring are given special attention. In order to identify the interpreters´ beliefs and attitudes and the restrictions they feel, the findings of interviews held with professionals who work in Rio de Janeiro are presented. The data are analysed from two complementary perspectives: Gideon Toury´s translation norms and Pierre Bourdieu´s concepts of habitus and field. The initial and preliminary norms present in the Rio market are identified, as are those behaviours that indicate the existence of a shared habitus in the profession, along with those that point to issues as yet unconsolidated. When the data from the interviews are analysed together with the information about the profession´s historical development, it is concluded that the profession represents a field or sub-field in formation. The implications of the current process of consolidation in the profession are raised, as are its potential synergies with the academic world.