Autonomy and dependency in science production: a conceptual basis for the study on relations in scientific communication

Abstract

The so called centre-periphery schema proposed by Edward Shils in the late 60’s is presented as a conceptual basis for the identification of variables acting upon Brazilian scientific communication today. The original schema perceives the structure of all human societies as composed of a physical or metaphorical core and peripheral regions and identifies degrees of distance from these to the core. The argument of the article is that such schema may be very useful today, to identify relations and interactions in the scientific world, particularly concerning scientific periodicals. Characteristics such a centre where power and means are concentrated, and where a central value systems is established and accepted by consensus by all members of the community, as established in the schema reflects very neatly the scientific publishing world of today, but the schema can in fact be useful in the study of any aspect of scientific activity, in any are.