The problems of economic, social and political development were the elemental substance of the institutionalization of sociology in Latin America and accounted field of theoretical reflection for a good part of sociologists. Precisely the main objective of this article is to review, from intellectual history, how the sociology of Latin American development has generated since the 60's important discussions and debates about the permanent tension between democracy and economic growth. Thus, large lines of analysis, explanation and understanding of the ideas and responses by various authors and schools of social thought to this dilemma and other problems and challenges faced by the region throughout the twentieth century and at the beginning of this century are examined. In any case it is evident throughout the pages that follow that the key feature of the sociology of development in Latin America has been to be a discipline closely conditioned by the political situation, the historical contexts and the changing social conditions.