Value Freedom

Question 1

Gouldner

Answer 1

value free sociology is impossible and undesirable. impossible as either the sociologist’s or the pay masters values will reflect in the research. undesirable because it would lead to sociologists selling their research to the highest bidder

Question 2

Becker

Answer 2

inevitable that sociologists will take sides so the side of the underdog should be taken rather than the side of the powerful.

Question 3

feminists

Answer 3

conduct research on the basis of their values and political ideas. sociology should be driven by the desire to make society better and should be used to expose the injustice of the patriarchy

Question 4

Weber

Answer 4

sociology can be value free in data collection however it can’t be value free when choosing the topic and when interpreting data.

Question 5

Gomm

Answer 5

Value Laden Sociology. can’t be value free in methodology, funding and in topic/subject choice.

Question 6

Positivists (Durkheim, Comte)

Answer 6

study of society shouldn’t be affected by subjective values but be about uncovering the truth about society. subjectivity affects the scientific certainty of theories.