In this article the author discusses the position of sociologists and social scientists as "intellectuals" with varied forms of political and institutional participation - whether professional, critical, public or public policy oriented. In contrast to Wallerstein's ideal, in which an intellectual is closer to the popular classes and at a greater distance from power while maintaining a responsibility that is simultaneously analytical, moral and political, the author believes that social scientists can adopt only one of these dimensions at a time, although the interchange between these types of sociological practice also make up a positive part of its professional dynamic. The article is structured as follows: 1) it situates the sociologist within the context of his/her practice, placing special attention on the current character of the discipline; 2) looks at how the latter is constituted by different national political regimes; 3) and finally moves on to the global level. Its most general conclusion is that sociologists do not exist in an empty space removed from the economy, but fulfill their missions in terrains that are ideological and political and local and national before becoming global. To recognize these terrains is the first step to any critical engagement or political project, constituting the building material for any notion of an international sociology.
public Sociology; national and global levels; intellectuals; Immanuel Wallerstein; professional practice
