Can sociology be a science?

Question 1

What supports sociology being a science?

Answer 1

Positivists: there are observable external factors (social facts) which influence behaviour and can be studied using objective, empirical methods

Question 2

What supports sociology maybe being a science?

Answer 2

Popper - only when it produces testable, falsifiable hypotheses but much of sociology is untestable.

Kuhn - only if a single paradigm develops but this is unlikely as many theories conflict and compete.

Question 3

What supports sociology not being a science?

Answer 3

Interpretivists - we can not ethically study humans in labs like objects.