Suchergebnisse

El presente volumen reune contribuciones de 14 intelectuales presentadas al Congreso Latinoamericano de Sociologia en Sao Paulo en 1997. Se discuten problemas claves del desarrollo latinoamericano como las caracteristicas de las democracias del continente, condiciones de justicia e injusticia, de exclusion social y pobreza en el contexto de la hegemonia del modelo neoliberal y de la globalizacion. Problemas de la distribucion de poder son tratadas igualmente como conceptos de modernidad y posmodernidad. (DÜI-Goe)

Participants in the seminar "Sociology Today," organized by the Dept of Political & Social Sciences of the National Autonomous U of Mexico, discussed the state of sociology & the need for reform of the undergraduate & graduate curricula. Topics included: (1) epistemological, theoretical, & methodological problems in classic sociology, from the perspective of the crisis of sociological paradigms; (2) theory & practice of sociology in contemporary Mexico; (3) the status of social theory in the 1980s in relation to economic & political changes; (4) challenges & alternatives for Mexican sociology in the 1990s; & (5) the teaching of sociology & sociological research in contemporary Mexico. The development of sociology in Mexico in the last three decades & its possibilities for the future are evaluated. R. Jaramillo

The current crisis of sociology in Latin America is discussed, especially possible reasons for the poverty of Ur theory. The poor exchange of information is perceived as an important factor: few of the basic texts in Ur sociology have been translated into Spanish. The two major paradigms in the field -- functionalism & Marxist structuralism -- have already declined in prestige in their countries of origin, & it appears that this will also occur in Latin America. A new theoretical focus is needed. To draw attention to some neglected aspects of Ur sociology that may be relevant, a historical review examines the work of pioneer Charles Booth (1840-1916), the Chicago school, & Marxist structuralism. C. Waters

The object of study of Ur sociology has never been adequately defined; the "theoretical tradition" of Ur sociology is merely a group of analytical models, lacking thematic unity. Some reflections on the subject are presented here, based on personal experiences in studying Ur movements in Mexico. Such study should focus on: the Ur question & levels of social practice; the Ur structure as a form of social agglomeration; the dynamics of everyday life; & collective responses to Ur problems. It is concluded that the structure of the city, which is the object of study of Ur sociology, constitutes the basis of capitalist social formation & also of the entire sociological discourse. This is because the city concentrates within it the fundamental SCs of the industrial society; its basic activities, which include the production of goods & services, determine the national wealth & essential processes of consumption & social life; & the everyday character of the relations that integrate these activities are the basis of all the macrostructural processes of social formation, ie, the political, economic, & cultural systems. 1 Schema. C. Waters

In an analysis of the teaching process & professor/student relations in the field of Ur sociology at the Autonomous National U of Mexico, Mexico City, data are examined from questionnaires completed in 1986 by students of Ur sociology & by professors (N = 38 & 10, respectively). These findings are supplemented by data from informal conversations with members of both groups & personal experiences as teaching assistants. The following defects of organization are generally agreed to exist: (1) poor integration of Ur studies in the curriculum; (2) a lack of direct links between teaching & research; (3) little participation on the part of the U, eg, a lack of seminars, films, & other extra-class activities; & (4) insufficient training in teaching skills on the part of professors. 4 Tables. C. Waters

The epistemological & methodological status of social science & the conditions necessary for a uniquely Latin American social science are discussed. The postwar ascendancy of empirical methodology is contrasted to the origins of social science in the philosopher & essayist. The role of ideology in social science, the problems of a value-free approach in highly-politicized societies, & the relation between sociology & engagement are considered. A tendency to copy North American sociology, with its conformism, lack of originality, bureaucratic ethos, & ideal of modernity is criticized. The desired qualities of an autonomous social investigator are enumerated. J. Anderson