Role of values in research - Value Committed

Question 1

Recap - What does Value committed mean ?

Answer 1

Sociologists must be committed and pick a side.

Should help the underdogs in society

Question 2

What does this perspective argue ?

Answer 2

Sociology should not be neutral
It should be actively used to support social justice and change.

Research should align with ethical/political/ideological commitments.

Question 3

What does Becker say about sociology?

What duty does sociology have?

How is this achieved?

Answer 3

All of sociology is influenced by values and this drives sociologists to take sides.

Sociology has a duty to support ‘underdogs’ and advocate for the marginalised groups in society.

This is achieved by identifying with them using qualitative methods such as participant observations which can reveal meanings of these marginalised groups.

Question 4

Application and Analysis
Implications of Value committed research

Answer 4

Helps to expose/challenge systematic inequalities

Directly influences policy making and activism

Sociology becomes a force for change rather than passive observation.

Question 5

Criticism of value committed sociology

Answer 5

Positivists - Argue sociology should be neutral focusing on empirical evidence rather than Advocacy.

Risk of ideological influence - Findings may be shaped by personal beliefs rather than objective analysis.

Ethical concerns - Should research actively promote social change or just inform the public??

Question 6

What are the real-world implications?

Answer 6

Many modern sociologists use their work to challenge justice/reform.

The boundary between sociology and activism remains a subject of debate.