The Asociación Latinoamericana de Sociología. History of regional sociological organization in Latin America (1950s- 1960s)

DIEGO PEREYRA

Sociology: History, Theory and practices

Institute of Sociopolitical Research, Russian Society of Sociologists, Russian Academy of Sciences

Lugar: Moscow- Glasgow; Año: 2007 p. 155 - 173

9785 7556

The Asociación Latinoamericana de Sociología was the first sociological body in the world that was conceived on a regional basis. Established in 1950, it played a key role in the promotion of sociological activities in Latin America and the Caribbean Area. From its creation to 1964, it organised seven regional congresses and encouraged the foundation of national professional bodies throughout the region. However, its institutional experience has been disregarded and its history is unexplored and scarcely known. The contribution of ALAS to the development of the sociological field in the region need to be studied. Was it the result of a triumphal Latin- Americanism? Which were their activities and the level of participation of local sociologists? Was it membership a representative sample of Latin American sociologists at that time? Which were their links with other international networks in the field? Which were the topics and themes discussed at the different meetings? Hence, this paper reconstructs an institutional history of ALAS from 1950 to 1964, reviewing his activities and its role in the institutionalisation of the field in the region and trying to show, therefore, a regional history of sociology through the experience of one of its most representative bodies. Keywords:        Sociology in Latin America, ALAS, Germani, Poviña.