Can sociology be value free?

Question 1

What view supports sociology can be value free?

Answer 1

Positivism (Comte and Durkheim) - sociology is a science so research can and should be value-free and should be kept objective using quantitative methods that do not dwell on personal opinion, as well as being taken seriously and have an impact on social policy.

Question 2

What view supports sociology should not be value free?

Answer 2

Marxism/Feminism - sociologists should not aim to make research value free as it is designed to help find solutions to issues in society and that can not take place if values and beliefs are removed from it.

Question 3

What view supports sociology can not be value free?

Answer 3

New Right (Marsland) - sociology is not value free as it exaggerates the defects of capitalism and ignores the benefits so any research into capitalism is therefore biased.