Introduction and Relevance
The Social Research Institute (IIS) of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) is commemorating its 95th anniversary, making it the oldest of its kind in Mexico and Latin America. The institute has been a significant contributor to national debates on various social issues, serving as a valuable resource for all Mexicans. Silvia Inclán Oseguera, the academic secretary of IIS, expresses her pride in the institute and emphasizes its importance: “We must all feel proud of it, take care of it, enjoy its fruits, and utilize what is produced here.”
Historical Context and Establishment
In the early 1930s, Mexican society faced post-revolutionary challenges with widespread poverty, exclusion, and a predominantly rural, agrarian, and illiterate population. The need for an institution addressing contemporary issues with a broad perspective led to the creation of IIS. This historical context underscores the significance of celebrating 95 years of the institute’s contributions to Mexican society.
Seven Areas of Research
The IIS is organized into seven research areas, though this number does not fully capture the diverse topics currently being explored. These include delinquency, criminality, insecurity, migration, illegalities, exclusion, gender, marginalization, socio-environmental issues, food security, corruption, and multiculturalism. The institute’s work is crucial for informed decision-making regarding these pressing matters.
Multidisciplinary Approach
One of the IIS’s distinguishing features is its multidisciplinary nature, with historians, architects, sociologists, political scientists, communication experts, and others collaborating to foster a rich debate on social issues.
Institute’s Evolution and Contributions
The founders’ vision remains unchanged, with the institute focusing on supporting academic teaching through high-quality research, nurturing human resources, and disseminating knowledge. Over time, the IIS has adapted and evolved, with researchers bringing fresh perspectives to problem-solving approaches.
Addressing National Issues
The IIS prioritizes tackling significant national problems, with its team of 94 researchers—plus a floating population of postdoctoral scholars—addressing ever-changing social issues throughout Mexico’s history. Many IIS researchers have also served as founders, directors, secretaries of other institutions, and public officials in various fields, showcasing the institute’s multifaceted contributions beyond its studies and reflections.
Mexican Sociological Review
The IIS’s Mexican Sociological Review, established in 1939, is the oldest of its kind and remains highly regarded in Latin America for its academic quality. The review has served as a platform for discussing not only Mexican but also regional issues, as well as introducing significant works in sociology and political science to a broader audience.
New Communication Strategy
To ensure knowledge dissemination reaches a wider audience, the IIS has developed a new communication strategy. All publications are freely available online and in UNAM’s repository, with an emphasis on diverse channels and social media to engage various demographics respectfully.
Diplomados and Seminars
The institute has also opened diplomados and seminars to foster collaboration with other higher education institutions, colleagues, and researchers. Inclán Oseguera acknowledges that the IIS has “never worked alone,” emphasizing the importance of institutional seminars involving experts from around the globe.
Celebration Activities
The IIS will celebrate throughout April with various events, including recorded meetings, a commemorative mural unveiling, a conmemorative banknote, a theatrical performance, a Social Sciences Book Fair, and a commemorative documentary screening. For more information on anniversary activities, visit https://www.iis.unam.mx/95-aniversario/.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Social Research Institute (IIS) of UNAM? The IIS is Mexico’s oldest social sciences research institute, contributing to national debates on various social issues since 1934.
- Why is the IIS significant? The IIS has been instrumental in addressing critical national issues, fostering multidisciplinary research, and disseminating knowledge through publications like the Mexican Sociological Review.
- What are some of the IIS’s research areas? The institute explores topics such as delinquency, criminality, migration, gender, food security, and multiculturalism.
- How does the IIS engage with the public? The IIS has adopted a new communication strategy, utilizing diverse channels and social media to reach broader audiences.
- What celebration activities are planned for the IIS’s 95th anniversary? The institute will commemorate with various events, including recorded meetings, a mural unveiling, a conmemorative banknote, a theatrical performance, a Social Sciences Book Fair, and a documentary screening.
