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This paper attempts to continue the research lines that rural sociology has carried out for many decades through the early studies of Solari, Terra, and Errandonea, trying to understand the specifics of stratification and class structure in our rural environment. In this case, to update and debate the current situation, the ENHA (INE, 2006) was reprocessed, permitting an approach to rural social classes according to different production categories. In short, this article investigates the diverse relationships of class established in these categories with the intention of contributing to policy formulation and differentiated actions that work toward reducing inequalities in the rural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

December 2001 resulted in an increase in the public conflict about policies related to bodies in Argentina. Poverty, hunger, unemployment and social pain were fundamental conflictive nodes. As part of a research program about collective action ongoing since 1994, this paper aims to divulge the main results obtained between 2002 and 2007 about the traits of post-crisis social conflict, devoting special attention to the perceptions, emotions and feelings associated with that context. Using this approach, the study attempts to answer the questions: How is it possible to characterize the current state of mechanisms for what is socially bearable and devices to regulate sensations? What is the status of the battle of the bodies? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beginning in 1999 the State apparatus confronted a format of transformations, one of them related to health, and this lead to the implementation of a policy based on constitutional precepts, focused on confronting social exclusion. Barrio Adentro is the visible expression of this process. In Zulia State, this program initiated in 2003. The objective of this paper is to gather information on the opinion of users as to the attention offered by such programs in the Idelfonso Vázquez Parrish in the Cujicito Sector of Maracaibo Municipality. Exploratory research was undertaken selecting a non-probabilistic sample of fifty-four (54) informants to whom a semi-structured questionnaire was applied and interviews undertaken in the homes of those surveyed. According to the opinions expressed by those surveyed, the results indicate that: a) users feel that they are well attended, b) the medical treatment was considered satisfactory and humanizing, c) the consultations time was from 25-30 minutes on the average, d) the treatment obtained was considered effective. The conclusion is that the execution of the program was considered as appropriate and was appreciated by the population. This infers that the strategy of the national government began to show congruent results in relation to the directives of health policy, which attempt to increase coverage and eliminate social exclusion. However, it is premature to propose an evaluation of the results and impacts that the execution of this program has had. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a direct university level work experience in precarious urban settlements in the city of Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela. UNDEL is a project in which knowledge and praxis are mixed in specific local development projects. The analysis and evaluation of this experience (1993-2000) has provided valuable information for the management of development programs in the framework of urban poverty and for the exchange of knowledge between the university and the communities. By redefining its traditional internal research and teaching role, towards a more external action perspective and social commitment, generated closer links between University and Society. The devlopment of a non-profit Habitat Development Agency is proposed, which would give autonomy and sustainability to the projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to analyze two senarios of integrated economic and social policies, designed in Venezuela during Hugo Chavez Frias's first presidential period (2000-2006). It begins with a series of theoretical considerations as to the prospectic method and the scenario technique employed in the design of such studies, and then describes, defines and analyzes the variables of the study using content analysis of official governmental documents. Finally the scenarios are constructed with the help of XIMPACT computer software, applying a set of matrix techniques which feed the program. The analysis of two selected scenarios projects the results of governmental actions which combines neoliberal polices, such as inflation controls though macroeconomic variables and interventionist policies where the State plays a prominent role by expanding public spending. The conclusion includes reflections which encourage constructive debate and also suggest propossed, ideal scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]