Sociology Precursors: From Scientific Positivism to the “Mexican Renaissance” (1856–1930)

The chapter analyses two periods. During the first period (1856–1910), sociology and positivism acquired exceptional relevance as an intellectual and governmental discourse to legitimize science, the separation of church and state, and the importance of secular and free education. The second part deals with the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920), the revolt against positivism, and the search of a new national identity through cultural expression and a new interest in anthropology over sociology.