Value Freedom and Objectivity

Question 1

What is Value freedom

Answer 1

• values = the ideas and beliefs which a sociologist holds
• positivists believe sociology should be value free
• this is because they believe sociology is based on empirical facts

Question 2

Why do interpretivism think about values

Answer 2

• whether it is desirable or not, sociology cannot be value-free.
• sociologists who are value-free, are doing a disservice to the subject - Gouldner 1968

Question 3

What is value ladan

Answer 3

• Webber, agrees with positivists to some extent,
• sociological research itself can be value free
• but argues that sociologists will always use their values when choosing the research.

Question 4

In what way can values affect research (value Ladan)

Answer 4

• choosing research matter, research method, and participants
• finding funding

=- finding a publisher

Question 5

What do interpretavists think should happen with research and values

Answer 5

• Becker believes that the best thing a sociologist can do is to state their values in their research
• the allows the audience to understand the values and interpret the research ccordigly

Question 6

What is the post modernist critique

Answer 6

• Leotard and Baudrilard argue that the process of scientific thinking is based on the nature of society
• scientific thinking is just one way to understand the world, it does not provide superior truths

Question 7

What are more criticisms

Answer 7

• reflexivity
• narratives
• Foachalt, what is effects the ability of influential people to reflect their ideas on society

Question 8

what is committed sociology

Answer 8

The idea that sociology should not be value-free, but research should be explicit in its values.

• such as feminism and marxism

Question 9

What is the tussle between liberal and radical in committed sociology

Answer 9

liberal - sociology should be more sympathetic to those less fortunate in society, abreast less concerned about studying those more powerful in society

• radical view - focuses on those n power, places greater focus on social structure

Becker (Liberal)vs Gouldner (radical)

Question 10

what is an example of the liberal view

Answer 10

• Beckers labelling theory takes the side of the ‘underdog’ and focuses on how groups in society are labelled and targeted by forces of social control

Question 11

What is an example of the radical view

Answer 11

Gouldner labelling theory ends up blaming the ‘middle dogs’ such a the police - should focus on those who give the poolice power eg law makers