Should Sociologists be Involved in Social Policy?

Question 1

sociology should be involved in social policy - founders of sociology aim

Answer 1

the study of the social world way to improve society

so making social policy recommendations solve social problems found in research

Question 2

sociology should be involved in social policy - who is the largest funding agency for research?

Answer 2

the government

those not included in applied social research are likely to be short of funds

Question 3

sociology should be involved in social policy - marsland

Answer 3

sociologists actively involved in policy research produce benefits for the community through evidence-based policy making

Question 4

sociology should be involved in social policy - what will happen if sociologists don’t get involved?

Answer 4

research will still be carried out but
sociology will become marginalised
policy areas less informed
social policy vulnerable to manipulation by powerful groups that want to promote their interests

Question 5

sociology should not be involved in social policy - issues with funding

Answer 5

sources funding will only find research that meets their approval for particular purposes

Question 6

sociology should not be involved in social policy - theoretical & methodological implications

Answer 6

governments prefer quantitative positivist methods

Question 7

sociology should not be involved in social policy - why do radical sociologists refuse?

Answer 7

avoid accidentally contributing to social policies that might reinforce patriarchy or against the interests of the poor

Question 8

sociology should not be involved in social policy - what do sociologists have no control over?

Answer 8

how their research is interpreted or used

may contribute to producing policies dealing with symptoms than the actual problem

Question 9

postmodernist view on sociologists being involved in social policy

Answer 9

sociology shouldn’t be involved as sociology has no contribution to make
discussion is irrelevant

Question 10

postmodernist view on sociologists being involved in social policy - what do sociologists that influence social policy impose?

Answer 10

their view on reality on others
displace alternative views
enhances control of those in power by providing evidence that reinforces their positions
provide interpretations rather than universal truths/firm evidence

Question 11

postmodernist view on sociologists being involved in social policy - what is sociology’s role?

Answer 11

contribute to social understanding