An approach to the main factors characterizing the new sociocultural scenarios of contemporary societies is attempted, together with a study of how these factors have influenced the traditional structuring processes of the heritage universe, particularly in Latin American countries. A review is made of certain elements leading to a rupture in the lineal and concatenated mega-accounts that laid the foundations of the big modernity project. The development paradigms of the last few decades among the region's countries are discussed, in addition to the implications of accelerated technological transformation and increasing globalization. These new trends have significantly altered the worldwide scene, including the sociocultural reality of the Chilean society. The new reality requires a profound restatement of the paradigms that have supported national life in the last few decades, such as those related to the cultural heritage. Today it is not enough to present a merely technical and academic view of the heritage phenomenon, basically oriented to configuring the so-called national heritage. New issues must be incorporated in the discussion, because fragmented mega-accounts radically modify the holistic view of the development described above.