values in sociology Flashcards
What positivists such as believe sociology should be scientific, objective and therefore value free?
Compte and Durkheim
Who saw his theory in scientific terms and aspired to discover scientific laws of capitalist but his commitment to the working class and the ideal of equality went against the idea of value free sociology?
Karl Marx
Who argues facts and values are separate and one can not be derived from the other?
Weber
Who says in the 1950s sociologists were ‘spiritless technicians’ (basically sociologists for hire) as they became ‘problem takers’, not ‘problem makers’. So-called ‘neutral’ sociologists were quietly agreeing not to ‘rock the boat’ by criticising authority?
Gouldner
Who says that sociologists should not only spell out their values but openly take sides of particular individuals or groups ?
Myrdal
Who argues value free sociology is impossible and undesirable ?
Gouldner and Myrdal
Who believes that by attempting not to take sides, sociologists are actually taking the side of the most powerful e.g. government, police etc.
and instead they should support the underdog (criminals etc) to redress the balance of power and give a voice to the voiceless ?
Becker
Who criticises Becker for over-sentimentalising disadvantaged groups and instead takes a Marxist view, arguing sociology should take the side of those who are fighting back. Sociology should aim to end oppression, not just describe it?
Goulder
What postmodernist feels it is not possible to create objective truth because any sociologist that claim to have the truth are meta narratives ?
Lyotard
Who argues research is ultimately dictated by whoever is funding it as funding agencies want particular findings ?
Philo and Miller 2000
Who highlights his research might be influenced by the researchers personal agenda, ambition and career goals and the researcher might want to please the establishment and not be controversial ?
Gouldner
Who draws attention to the fact all researchers have their own interests, opinions and beliefs which could affect what is to be studied and how ?
Gouldner
