Abstract

MIRELES VARGAS, Olivia. Representaciones sociales: debates y atributos para el estudio de la educación. Sinéctica [online]. 2011, n.36, pp.1-11. ISSN 2007-7033.

The main aim of this paper is to give an account of a resulting analysis of the theory of social representations; in the following lines, I will examine and comment some of the criticisms directed against this theory. I will deal mainly with arguments from authors that have questioned three important elements: the theoretical status of the theory; the ability to explain the relation between the social and the individual; and the alleged broad scope and lack of precision of the very concept of 'social representations'. Besides, I will offer a refutation against each one of mentioned criticisms. Finally, I will maintain that, despite of its alleged limitations, the theory of social representations constitutes a valuable resource when one tries to understand the forms and contents of collective constructions. This theory also offers the opportunity to surpass social determinism, since it let us comprehend the point of view of the actors in their own cultural, historical and social contexts. The foregoing discussion is quite relevant in our days, since it will allow us to see with more clarity the scopes, possibilities and limits of the theory of social representations.

Keywords : social representations; education; discussion.