value laden vs value free

Question 1

the cycle

Answer 1

individual values -> influence choice of research -> influence methods of research -> influence interpretation of data -> recognition of the impact of research on society -> starts again!

Question 2

what is the spectrum of this debate?

Answer 2

<—————————————————————————————————————————>
.1 .2 .3

1. sociology is a science, must be free from personal/political bias (value free)
2. personal values shouldn’t intrude but it is impossible to keep them out (value laden)
3. sociology is a tool used to bring about social change, it is not just an academic subject (committed sociology)

Question 3

value free sociology

Answer 3

• positivists say objective sociology is possible (Durkheim/Conte)
• external reality/ ‘social facts’ exists
• Karl Marx believed he was objective AND committed to a cause- possible?
• Methods tend to be quantitative
• sociology is a science

Question 4

value laden sociology

Answer 4

We can’t hep but have values enter research because:
- historical context- whether personal values inevitably influence research choice
- funding- people who fund it have a reason and can block publication if results are not what they want
- careers- all sociologists have career goals and personal ambition- Kuhn “sociologists study ‘fashionable’ subjects”
- personal interests- sociologists are ‘normal’ people and we all hold beliefs

e.g Plumer (2000) published widely on sexal issues and ‘queer theory’ due to being gay

Question 5

value laden

Answer 5

-postmodern critique- Lyotard (1984)- science is nothing different and is also based on values

We see sociologists address the presence of values through…
- reflexivity: sociologists write up what their beliefs are and how they may have influenced their research (honest about it)
- narratives: different viewpoints and voices are included alongside that of the researcher to provide more than just their own viewpoint.

Question 6

Committed sociology

Answer 6

e.g critical/radical sociologists (marxists/fem) hold clear values and write for a reason

• liberal view: sociology should be sympathetic to disadvantaged groups (Becker took side of the ‘underdog’- those labeled deviant need protection), he felt aiming for the ‘best’ sociology was important and should be as objective as possible WHILE writing for a cause

-radical view: Gouldner- all sociologists want to be published and employed + these desires can intrude on their research, sociology cannot be value free and it is a myth

• marxist: Althusser (1969) role of sociology is to uncover ruling class exploitation of the poor. Sociology is a science but felt it should still promote radical change

Question 7

standpoint theory

Answer 7

using your background and experience provides valuable insights and more valid data
e.g being black and female can give a unique perspective

Question 8

criticism of comitted sociology

Answer 8

• it is little more than personal opinion
• value laden means low validity (they will find out what they want to find out, like feminists look for patriarchy)
• right anf wrong are personal and can’t be tested or quantified