can sociology be value free

Question 1

introduction

Answer 1

definition of value freedom - ability to study society objectively
3 main positions
is possible
isnt possible
should be celebrated and incorporated into sociological research

Question 2

positivism

Answer 2

should copy methodology of natural science - objective and empirical
sociology is studying phenomena existing externally to an individual
e.g., marxism and the control that capitalism has on society
any personal/ political belief and bias irrelevant when research is well designed, and findings not altered/ tampered with
quantitative (official statistics - Durkheim and suicide rates)
because it can be compared to a science it is and should be value free

Question 3

interpretivism (value laden)

Answer 3

sociology subjective
researching social constructions
qualitative data (valid and detail rich)
participant observation - uncovering meaning behind behaviour
Atkinson - coroners court
due to subjectivity of sociology it isnt possible for it to be value free

Question 4

Weber

Answer 4

essential role for values in sociological research
guide to research - essential to help choose aspects of social life to study
values of data collection - keep values out of data collection - keep values out of process
value and data interpretation - declare values so interpretations are in context
values and effects of research - responsibility to look at effects of our research cannot hide behind ‘objectivity’
verstehen - empathy

Question 5

values in research process

Answer 5

choosing topic/ method/ participants/ questions
finding funding/ publisher
analysing data
operationalising key concepts

Question 6

committed sociology

Answer 6

cannot and should not be value free
committed to improving society

Question 7

committed sociology - Becker (interpretivist)

Answer 7

sociologists should argue from side of underdog (e.g., criminals and homeless) as little is known about their position

Question 8

Committed sociology - Gouldner (marxist)

Answer 8

argues opposite - focus and challenge powerful groups creating ‘structures of oppression’
critical of Becker’s view - over-sentimental of disadvantaged
advocates marxist position siding against power, exploitative groups

Question 9

feminism

Answer 9

agree with the idea of exposing explotative groups - key issue surrounds the patriarchal nature of society

Question 10

conclusion

Answer 10

interpretivists - no social facts (interpretating social behaviour)
positivists disagree