Resumen

LOPEZ, Alexander. La universidad vivida: Visión de los profesores de ciencias sociales de tres facultades de la Universidad Central de Venezuela. Perfiles educativos [online]. 2002, vol.24, n.95, pp.37-53. ISSN 0185-2698.

This article describes the view of a group of social sciences professors from three faculties of the Central University of Venezuela. Professors show high regard for a harmonious and integral image of higher education. They visualize themselves participating symmetrically in teaching, research and community programs. However, for most of them teaching is about the only activity they can effectively accomplish. A major concern for professors is that the University does not adequately support their professional development. The persistent politicization of higher education further complicates the links between professors and the University. Finally, the article shows how critically academics perceive themselves, particularly their role as researchers. Although they recognize some improvement, structural constraints still delay the development of the academic profession. In the conclusion, the author suggests that it may be helpful to relate the integral image of the academic profession to what professors experience in their professional life, that is, the diversified relation of teaching, research and community programs.

Palabras llave : Higher Education in Venezuela; University professor; Social sciences; Social research; Academic gratification.