Suchergebnisse

The main analytical approaches of Latin American sociology since the 1950s are discussed. The sociology of development, or modernization, which is based on the dichotomy development/underdevelopment, remains predominant. Although challenged in the 1960s, it has acquired new relevance with modern conditions, eg, industrial reconversion, increased productivity, Ur growth, & foreign debt, which have thrown into relief the problems of political stability & economic development. In this light, a critical analysis is presented of Gino Germani's work, especially Politica y sociedad en una epoca de transicion ([Politics and Society in an Epoch of Transition] Buenos Aires: Paidos, 1968). Germani's approach is basically that of structural functionalism. His theory of modernization & conception of change are examined. Some criticisms are made on the theoretical, methodological, & historico-social levels. Contradictions within the reality of development in contemporary Latin America are discussed. A new problematic is coming to the fore, in which the dichotomy capitalism/socialism is important. C. Waters

The subcontracting and delocalization of productive activities that characterize the global capitalist economy are an attempt to reduce costs and exempt corporations from their responsibilities to labor by delegating production to other companies, regions, and countries and even to the workers themselves. Latin America is a prime destination for this corporate outsourcing. Outsourcing has increased deregulation and labor flexibility and introduced a model of high labor turnover and transience that creates fragmentation and precarious employment in the working class. [Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications Inc., copyright holder.]