objectivity and values Flashcards
what is subjectivity?
individuals own view influences approach taken to a subject
what do positivists argue about subjectivity?
it is something to be looked down on as tainting objective social and scientific research which should be avoided
what do interactionalists argue about subjectivity?
it is what should be examined by sociologists
what is objectivity?
also known as social distance which is the ability to remain detached from people you research which creates unbiased data
what are values?
refers to beliefs and opinions that everyone holds and are influenced by our class, gender and ethnicity etc
what do positivists believe about values? (Durkheim, Comte, Marx)
believe that the study of society should not be matter of subjective values or personal opinions about what is best but instead should focus on uncovering the truth about how society works where sociologists must stay value free
what is committed sociology?
argue it is desirable for sociologists to use their values to improve society and take sides
what does Gouldner argue about values?
value free society is impossible and undesirable as its impossible for a sociologist to own any values as they reflect this in their research because without values to guide them sociologists are selling their services to a highest bidder
what does interactionalist Becker argue?
argues it is inevitable for a sociologist to taken sides
how do feminists use values in their theory?
they construct their research based on their values an political opinions as sociology should be driven by desire to make society better and expose injustice
what does Gomm argue about value laden sociology?
‘a value free sociology is impossible and the idea is unsociological’
he argues sociologists react to political, social and economic events and to define what is worthy to research
what areas does Gomm argue cannot be value free?
choice of subject, funding and methodology
what does Weber argue?
sociology cannot be fully value free but there are elements that can be
a fact can be proven or disproven by evidence whereas value judgements cannot be proven or disproven
data collection can be value free as it should be objective and unbiased
choice of topic and interpretation cannot be value free as facts and data need theoretical framework
