Reflexive autonomy in the field of sociology (2000-2006)

Abstract

Based on empirical data about Brazilian’s federal public funding for sociological research since 2000 to 2006, this article analyzes what kind of autonomy exists in a mixed model of scientific and technological development. It is provided a definition of reflexive autonomy and it is explaned why this concept is important for the scentific field, futhermore a tipology of autonomy is developed. Regarding the centrality of research funding on the development of science, the analysis focus on specific issues related to federal public funding for sociological research. Finally, results indicate three main tendencies in the field of sociology related to funding and translation of social problems into sociological problems.