Theory and Social Transformation: Social Sciences in Mexico in the 21st Century

This paper examines the programmatic orientations of social sciences in Mexico, focusing on two crucial aspects: the generation of social theory and its connection to concrete social problems. The study analyzes how Mexican academic communities prioritize theoretical construction in their research agendas and evaluates the relationship between the production of social scientific knowledge and its practical application in addressing and resolving social issues.

The findings reveal a solid process of institutionalization and academization of social sciences during the late 20th century and the first decades of the 21st century. A marked tendency towards tasks of understanding and explaining social phenomena is observed, accompanied by a growing concern for connecting these academic efforts with the social realities of the country.

The study investigates the inherent tension between the generation of academic knowledge and its practical application in public policy formulation and social intervention strategies. It scrutinizes the collaborative mechanisms linking academia with diverse societal sectors, while also analyzing the multifaceted challenges confronting social scientists in their efforts to enhance the relevance and accessibility of their work for both policy-making processes and broader public discourse.

This work contributes to understanding the evolution and current state of social sciences in Mexico. It offers a critical reflection on their role in contemporary society and proposes possible directions to strengthen their impact on resolving urgent social problems.