Abstract

The author’s approach is focused on the role of intellectuals toward social and political changes. Considering the actual international scenario, namely the commodification trends in all levels of social life, it’s important to discuss not only the role of the academic institutions but the role of academics as intellectuals in a world of change and new challenges. 


Bio

Neil McLaughlin is an Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, McMaster University/ Ontario - Canada. His main areas of research have been on issues like Sociology of Intellectuals and Public Sociology. Recent publications: “Escapes from Freedom: Political Extremism, Conspiracy Theories and the Sociology of Emotions,” in Lynn Chancer et al., (editors) The Unhappy Divorce of Sociology and Psychoanalysis, London: Palgrave, 2014.; -- “Comprehending the World; Edward Said and the Autonomous Global Public Intellectual”, in Petra Rethmann, et al., (editors). Cultural Autonomy: Frictions and Connections, Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 2010; -- “Why Sociology Does Not Need to be Saved: Analytic Reflections on Public Sociologies” in Lawrence T. et al., Public Sociology: The Contemporary Debate, Transaction Press, 2007.

Activity within Núcleo de Estudos sobre Políticas Sociais, Trabalho e Desigualdades (POSTRADE) and Doctoral Programme Relações de Trabalho, Desigualdades Sociais e Sindicalismo