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The article presents guidelines for submitting papers for publication in the "Society in Transition," the journal of the South African Sociological Association. Three paper copies must be submitted. An electronic copy of the final version of the manuscript can be sent by email to the scientific editor. The first page should contain the following: title of the article, the author's name, address, email address and the abstract. Each article must be preceded by a short abstract and a short list of five important keywords should be provided.

This paper explores the practical implications of Wallerstein's call for the substitution of an existing culture of sociology by a culture of social science for the future of the sociological project in South Africa. South African sociology is examined in terms of Therborn's three spaces of identity in which sociology is located: a space of discipline, a space of everyday practice and a space of imagination and investigation. The paper argues that sociology in South Africa is responding creatively to the challenges of our society. In order to maintain this response we need to strengthen our discipline through institutional and intellectual engagement. In conclusion it is argued that sociology is distinctive through its sociological imagination, its emphasis on unmasking deceptions and illusions and its commitment to improving the world we live in. Analytical knowledge, technical know-how and the well-being of human beings are the heart and soul of sociology. Our contribution is best made not as social scientists but first and foremost as sociologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tradition, ambition and imagination are core concepts in the identity of the sociologist. This paper focuses on these three aspects in evaluating the choices and challenges facing post-apartheid sociology. The achievement of the sociological ambition and the expression of the sociological imagination are considered in terms of Michael Burawoy's (2004) distinction between professional, critical, policy and public sociology. Through this analysis the constraints and challenges facing South African sociology are exposed. It is concluded that South African sociology can best be bolstered through an active engagement with national issues and publics within a global context. In this way we can harness the sociological tradition, ambition and imagination in the creation of a better life for all in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nature of the encounter and exchange between researchers and subject communities is complex. The highly researched traditionalist ...Khomani community in the Northern Cape, South Africa, has come to perceive researchers as often exploitative. The community expresses the expectation that research should result in immediate financial benefit for them. This paper addresses these perceptions and examines participatory research methods that ensure that marginalised voices are heard and represented. In so doing, we discuss the uses of cultural studies in development discourses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]