Objectivity And Values In Sociology (P1/3) Flashcards
(14 cards)
Who argues there’s a difference between facts and values and that values will play a role in soicological research?
Weber
How will choosing a topic be affected by values
People will choose to study something of value relevance to them
How will data collection/hypothesis testing be affected by values
Sociologists need to be as objective as possible
How will data interpretation be affected by values
Data needs to be placed in a theoretical framework to explain it.
The chosen TF (e.g feminism, Marxism) will be shaped by the values of the researcher, and so they should spell out their values so other sociologists can check their work for bias
How will use of data be affected by values
Socios and scientists should speak out if their work is misused e.g Einstein’s theories helped make the atomic bomb, but he was an opponent of them
Discuss Becker’s view on taking sides
Trad socios (especially functionalists) have taken the side of the powered such as police etc. He argues we should take the side of the underdogs , such as criminals . This is because less is know about these groups as they aren’t given a voice so siding with them allows us to reveal a hidden side of society.
This is why interactionists use qualitative methods which keep gain a better understanding of the lives of these outsiders
Who criticises Becker’s view on taking sides and what is said?
Gouldner
For taking a romantic approach to disadvantages groups: Becker’s only concerned with these people who’re ‘on their backs’- the negatively labelled and deviant.
He says the sociologist should take the side of those who’re trying to change society, and that sociology should uncover how the powerful maintain their position
Discuss Funding and careers
the people funding the research control the direction of it and the kinds of questions it asks and doesn’t ask, so their values are reflected in it + funders may prevent research being published if they see its findings as being unacceptable, meaning their values influence the research.
The sociologist’s values can also affect research, such as their background etc. Sometimes they may censor themselves for fear of being too outspoken and possibly damaging their careers. Sociologists in uni departments are also likely to be under pressure to publish research, regardless of its quality or usefulness.
Discuss Perspectives and Methods
Different sociological perspectives have different values about how society is and how it should be.
The values of these perspectives influence the topics the sociologists will study and the methods used : Functionalists would use official stats as they trust the gov whereas Ms won’t, Ms would research class inequality.
Discuss Perspectives and Methods- Feminists
Feminists- society based on gender and inequality and promotes women’s rights.
Discuss Perspectives and Methods- Marxists
Marxism- sees society based on class conflicts and wants communist society to be established.
Discuss Perspectives and Methods- Functionalism
Functionalism- believes society is fine as it is and favours the status quo.
Discuss Perspectives and Methods- Postmodernists
PM take a relativist view of knowledge- they reject the idea that a single account of the social world is superior to any other. Any p[perspectives that claim to have truth , such as Ms, are metanarratives. All knowledge is based on values and assumptions and thus no perspective ahs any special claim to be true.
Who criticises Beckers
