Identity and Cognition in a Socio-Ethnic Interaction Field: A Critical-Historical Approach
Héctor Vázquez

Abstract
The line of research of this paper is an effort to develop a theoretical field in order to create a kernel of convergence of different disciplines which, extending beyond the borders of sociocultural anthropology, might be able to give critical and universal answers to questions posed by the problem of knowledge. This author thinks he succeeded in establishing the epistemological conditions necessary for this interdisciplinary kernel, making an anthropolgy of knowledge a possible goal. Following a long tradition of ethnological research, this author has produced the bases of ethnology of knowledge within its context. He considers it as a discipline which analyzes the sociocultural variable of perception, having its roots in the anthropolgy of knowledge (Vázquez, H., 1988) On the other hand, the relationally conceived concept of identity is rejected from ethnology of knowledge situated on a historical-critical paradigm of enthropology. Ethnic identity will be the temporary shape adopted by material and symbolic contradictions at an individual and collective level within a socio-ethnic interaction field relatively confined to the center of a socio-historical formation and a given period of interethnic relations. The basic aspects of the socio-ethnic identity constitution are considered

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