Historical and social problems affecting the relationship between science, technology and society in Latin America. Brief outline

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze some historical and social problems that affect the proper development of science and technology in Latin America through a brief outline. The problems to be taken into account in this document are: the brain drain, higher education, the role played by international institutions, and integration. This paper reflects relevant problems within the Latin American social context, many of which have been previously addressed. The truth is that each problem discussed and addressed with the Latin American community and the world for the good of our societies in the South, implies a new step towards development, not only of an economic type but of a social type, which should be considered of greater importance since it is the society in its full development that is responsible for advancing on the economic and political levels. Brain drain is a common phenomenon that sometimes goes unnoticed but is of vital importance to the relationship between Science, Technology and Society. What causes this drain? How can it be avoided? However, this drain generally comes from professionals who have graduated from Higher Education, another problem that has become a source of profit and whose true importance appears to be undermined despite the fact that many institutions have included its development among their objectives without at least its social function having been fulfilled in reality. Finally, the integrationist problem is dealt with because it could perfectly be the solution to these and other problems that slow down the social development of our nations. All of this outlined briefly.