Mapeando los estudios de área sobre América Latina

Características críticas y desafíos

Abstract

Area studies on Latin America have been criticised for their allegedly descriptive nature, limited theoretical contribution, and lack of methodological rigour. After highlighting the main contributions of area studies, this paper analyses the extent to which these criticisms reflect reality. Based on a review of 801 articles from 10 specialised journals in the region, our work identifies the primary approaches, research topics and most prevalent debates. It reports on trends, gaps and opportunities for the current research agenda. In particular, it examines the extent to which the literature addresses the significant challenges facing Latin America, including climate change, migration, democratic erosion, and organised crime. The article concludes by arguing that the study of complex phenomena requires an interdisciplinary, comparative, and eclectic perspective, both theoretically and methodologically, as well as greater dialogue with other regions and subregions of the world.