is sociology value free?

Question 1

early positivism

Answer 1

Comte and durkheim argued that the creation of better society was not a matter of subjective values
Shared enlightenment view of the role of society
Sociologists would be able to say objectively and with scientific certainty what was really best for society
Comte regarded sociology as the queen of the sciences and saw sociologists as latter day priests of a new scientific religion of truth

Question 2

marx

Answer 2

Saw himself as scientist as he believed that his method of historical analysis, historical materialism, could reveal the line of development of human society
Involved an evolution through a series of different types of class based society leading to a future classless communist society
Reveal the truth of this development, especially to the proletariat since they would be the class to overthrow capitalism and herald the birth of the communist society.

Question 3

modern postivists

Answer 3

Mid 20th century positivists tended to argue that their own values were irrelevant to their research - there were 2 reasons for this:
The desire to appear scientific - science is concerned with matters of fact, not values and therefore, sociology should remain morally neural. Critics argue that this reflected a desire to be ‘like a science’ and make it respectable and an academic discipline.
The social position - gouldner argues that by the 1950s, american sociologists were becoming mere spiritless technicians by leaving their own values and behind, making a gentleman’s promise that they would not rock the boat by criticising paymasters.

Question 4

committed sociology

Answer 4

Myrdal - sociologists should not only spell out their values as weber recommends but they should take sides by espousing the values and interests of a particular individual, group
Gouldner - value free sociology is impossible and undesirable.
Becker argues that instead of seeing things from the perspective of the overdogs, sociologists should adopt a compassionate stance and take the side of the underdog - criminals, mental patients and other powerless groups.
Gouldner - beckers’ romanticism and sentimental stance to disadvantaged groups is undesirable. Sociology should not confine itself to describing the viewpoint of the underdog if they are not the ones fighting back.

Question 5

funding and careers

Answer 5

Funding sources - includes government departments, businesses and voluntary organisations.
Sociologists’ work is likely to embody values and interests of their paymasters.
Funding bodies may unlock publication of the research if findings prove unacceptable
Committed sociologist gouldner - all research is inevitably influenced by values.

Question 6

perspective and methods

Answer 6

Feminism
Sees society as based on gender inequality
Functionalism
Sees society as harmonious and espouses conservative values
Marxism
Sees society as conflict ridden and strives for a classless society

Question 7

objectivity and relativism

Answer 7

Relativism argues that different groups, cultures and individuals have different views as to what is true and each see the world in a different way
There is no independent way of judging whether any view is truer than the other.