Sociology and values

Question 1

Durkheim

Answer 1

Research should be objective and value free as this puts sociologists in the best position to suggest change for society

Question 2

Marx

Answer 2

The point of sociology is to change society, but this should be done in a scientific and empirical way

Question 3

Philo and Miller

Answer 3

Research is controlled by the funding body, and often they will want certain findings, as research is rarely funded for no reason, so their values will be imposed on the research

Question 4

Gouldner

Answer 4

It is dishonest to say that values can be kept out of research, and historical period in particular influence research. Sociologists can be influenced by the want to gain status, personal experience, and wider context

Question 5

Weber

Answer 5

Values are important to research, as is value-relevance. We must be aware that we are subjective and take responsibility for it, while allowing values to make us understand the effects of research

Question 6

Becker

Answer 6

There are values in all research, but we have a duty to focus on the underdogs of society, which will break down societal biases