Discourse on sociology and sociological studies in Lithuanian higher schools

The paper discusses the role of sociology as a reflection of contemporary society. The new historical events inaugurating a new period in modern Lithuanian history provided conditions for Lithuania to transform its society toward democracy and free-market economy. Such conditions suggest a new role for sociology and other social sciences in Lithuanian scholarship. New cognitive perspectives have been advanced. However, the new situation of social sciences in Lithuania is in a sense paradoxical. Although the restrictions imposed on the freedom of research have been removed, new limitations connected with the financing of research have appeare