Topic 2 Objectivity And Values Flashcards
Who believes sociological research should be value free (perspective and 3 theorists)
Classical/modernist sociologists
Durkheim
Marx and Comte
Who (theorist) believes sociological research will be value-laden (values do come in)
Weber
Who believes sociological research must contain values (perspective and 4 theorists)
Committed Sociologists/ interpretivists
Gouldner
Myrdal
Becker and Goffman
Who believes in creating a better society via progressivism? (2 theorists) what did they say?
Comte and Durkheim
We should not look at subjective matters but look at the Objectivity of Science to make sociology respectable, ignoring personal values.
Provide an example of value-free sociology and criticise it
During Durkheim’s study of suicide he claimed he was completely detached with no personal values.
A03, how can anyone be truly detached he was a Catholic, so would have involved bias
What does Weber believe about values in research?
Values believes that values do and should have a presence in research but not always
Where does Weber believe values ARE included in research?
Values are used as a guide for research (sociologists actively choose the area they study)
Values are used to interpret data Marxist will interpret something differently to feminists
Sociologists should not use lack of values as a way to hide from the impact of their research
Where does Weber believe values ARE NOT included in research?
Data collecting and hypothesis testing should be value free otherwise the data may be bias and unethical
What do committed sociologists think about values in research
They believe values are a fundamental part of all sociological revision
What are the 4 committed sociologists you need to remember?
Gouldner
Myrdal
Becker and Goffman
How does Gouldner say sociological research differed from pre-1950 to the late 1900s
Prior to 1950, sociologists used their values to investigate problems. This often challenged the status quo.
In the late 1900s, sociologists have become problem takers working on behalf of organisations not due to their values. Therefore, not affecting the status quo.
What is Gouldner’s view on value free research?
It’s Impossible because either the sociologists or the organisations values are bound to the research
it’s Undesirable as without values to drive a sociologist, they are putting their serves at the disposal of organisations.
What does Myrdal argue about values in research
Value free research is neither possible nor desirable. Sociologists should take sides.
According to becker, what side to sociologists traditionally take?
What side should they take?
Sociologists take the side of the ‘overdog’
They should support the ‘underdog’
Goffman says you need to use qualitative methods to seek verstehen.
Provide criticism for Foucault’s idea of meta narratives.
Postmodernism itself could be seen as a meta narrative. As such, it is a ‘self defeating theory’
