Los sistemas de planeamiento como emprendimientos sociales: tres enfoques para la investigación empírica y la reflexión desde la práctica

Abstract

This article conducts a critical review of the recent Anglo-Saxon-based literature focused on the idea of "social construction of planning". The aim is to develop a conceptual framework that goes beyond simplistic dualism between "instruments" and "social context" and to identify key analytical variables to assess the socio-political content of planning. The paper focuses on three complementary approaches –the institutionalist perspective, the communicative theory and the strategic-relational approach– that emphasize the possible consequences for empirical research and planning practice. Beyond progressivism and the supposedly neutral and technocratic approaches, we argue that attempts to transform or to introduce innovative aspects in the planning systems come not only from technical bodies but from actors with different values, organized into influential social groups that challenge, compete, reform or invalidate dominant institutional frameworks.