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This paper points to the production of space as an appropriate methodological framework for social sciences in their aim to analyze how current processes of neoliberalization and global fluxes of capital actually work and affect our cities. The interest of this approach lies in the growing penetration of neoliberal policies in Spain, especially in the field of urban planning. Combining theoretical discussion with the presentation of a case study of the old centre of Palma (Majorca), I argue that the reason why urban regeneration projects proliferate in Spanish cities is the purpose of extracting surplus values through the production of space. Nonetheless, the economic success of these processes does not depend on pure market mechanisms but on the mobilization of social forces apparently alien to the market which, as a result, are dramatically reshaped so as to fall in line with the reproduction (and expansion) requirements of the accumulation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a discussion on the congress of American Sociological Association in San Francisco, California, in August 2004. To reflect on congresses and exhibitions is a sociological work since, in addition to the information that they provide on the development of the profession of sociologist, they have a symbolic considerable impact. Already before the globalization, several professional North American affiliations turn into the international affiliations of the discipline. What is discussed in the San Francisco congress has so many relevancy for Spain as the Eighth Spanish Congress of Sociology, in September, 2004 in Alicante, Spain. The majority of the specialties coincide. Some papers and debates are similar. The methodological problems are also common in both the congresses. The ideas that they discuss in the world, fortunately, already do not diminish to a geographical national ambience. Almost two hundred specific sessions with written communications have been distributed.