The devaluation of the humanities is a social phenomenon that has been gradually spreading around the world in the last forty years. This paper constitutes an analysis of a finalized sociological research project which focused on this devaluation, and its main goal is to share some solutions that were found to handle the inherent complexity of a global sociological approach. Two main topics are covered – the authors that were selected to lay out the fundamentals behind the research, and the combination of methodologies that were used to make it possible. These choices facilitated an analysis and synthesis that are multidimensional in nature, allowing for the identification of ideas and actors that have been at the roots of this devaluation. The paper also seeks to demonstrate how a global sociological approach enables us to later conduct better local research. The case of The School of Arts and Humanities of the University of Lisbon is the current object of study due to its contrast with current trends of the devaluation of the humanities. In spite of the political guidelines that were identified as potentially problematic in the global study, a recent initiative can be clearly observed in this institution to promote and transmit the humanities and other non-specialized knowledge, to a great degree of student engagement and success. Finally, these two studies look to explore the potential influence of sociology in the public sphere, with the hope that they contribute in some way to a recognition of the value of studying the humanities.

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Humanities,Global sociological approach,University,Methodological options