Formação de sociólogos rurais no Brasil, suas contribuições potenciais e perspectivas de trabalho

Resumo

In this paper some general aspects of the training problem of rural sociologists in Brazil were examined, and some suggestions were made for a Master's program. The discussion here presented is not exhaustive. The problem is complex and should be treated in greater depth.

A general view of the evolution and trends of rural sociology in the United States, in Europe, and in Brazil shows that rural sociology as a discipline is progressing, in terms of number of contributions appearing in journals and periodicals. There is indication of an increasing demand for well trained rural sociologists, Employment oppotunities for rural sociologists in Brazil will tend to increase as they increase their contribution to society and to the development of science.

However, there are some barriers that are making it difficult for Brazilian rural sociologists to attain these objetives. It appears that one of the major barriers is possibly the lack ofa professional organization, which would permit distinguishing between the essencial area of sociology and those of other social sciences. Such an organization would alsohavethe advantage of opening channels of communication among sociologists. 

Some of the immediate contributions of Brazilian rural sociologists could be the following: the development of research models to evaluate colonization programs; specific studies that may assist in the establishment of colonization projects, the development of models for research in humam resources; regional studies thatmayhelp in setting up rural development and agrarian reform projets; and research on diffusion of innovations, especially on aspects of the communication process and technological change. Futhermore, Brazilian sociologists have not as yet taken advantage of the oppotunity to cooperate effectively with certains practical professions, such as agricultural extension, social work, public health, public administration, and so on.

Specialized training is necessary for those who wish to become rural sociologists. The problem of scientific objectivity and the study of science as an activity schould deserve especial attention in their training. Two main reasons are invoked for this emphasis on objectivity and methods:

a. in Brazilian university training relatively little attention is given to the process by which scientific knowledge is obtained, and

b. sociologists are frequently involved in the phenomena they study-

On the other hand, rural sociologists cannot overlook reality, Not only should their preparation enable them to critically relate methodological theory (modus operandi of scientific research) to substantive theory (what to study), but they should also be prepared to critically relate this theoretical knowledge to society.