Sociology and values Flashcards
(14 cards)
Main positions on sociology being value free
Value freedom is possible
Value freedom is not possible
Values should be encorporated into sociological research
Parts of sociology can be value free but not all
Which theoretical perspective believes sociology is value free?
Positivists
Which theoretical perspective believes sociology is not value free?
Interpretivists
What do positivists belive about sociology being value free?
Sociology shouldn’t be the matter of subjective values. Study of society like natural sciences. Sociologists study social facts which are observed objectively by following scientific procedure. The job of sociology is to discover truth and uncover laws. Thus improving social life because you could solve social problems
Marxist perspective of sociology being value free
Scientific analysis of society could reveal the truth - sociology should focus on finding real causes of inequality rather than being influenced by personal opinions. Study of historical materialism
According to interpretivist Gomm, why is sociology value laden?
A value free society is impossible and its unsociological. Sociology is all about social issues, what we determine as a social problem is in itself a value we hold - sociology can’t be value free even if it wants to be
Interpretivists - value laden. In what ways is it impossible to keep values out of sociology?
Funding
Career progression
Personal beliefs/choice of topic
Methodological perspective
Which sociologists have the perspective that sociology can’t be value free but it’s a good thing
Gouldner & Becker - both agreeing that sociology should openly take sides in research
Becker view on sociology being value laden
Criticised value free sociology as he believed research always reflects the values of the sociologist. He believed they should always take the side of the marginalised or oppressed groups. By doing so, hidden experiences and dominant power structures can be uncovered and challenged.
What does Becker question about traditional sociology?
Why it tends to focus on the views of powerful groups like government, rather than giving a voice to those who are disadvantaged. Interactionist perspective which emphasises understanding society from the viewpoint of individuals, using qualitative methods to understand reasoning
What 2 things did Gouldner believe?
Sociologists cannot ignore their values in doing research
Sociologists need to hold on to their values or they risk selling out to the highest bidders when conducting research
Gouldner
Marxist influenced sociologist - value free sociology is an illusion as all research is shaped by ideology. We shouldn’t just understand marginalised groups but use values to fight back and end oppression. Sociology should be committed - actively challenging social inequalities. Sociologists should work towards social change rather than pretending to be neutral observers
Who argues parts of sociology can be value free but not all?
Weber
What did Weber argue?
Sociology should be value relevant not value free. He saw an essential roles for values in some parts of sociology. Choice of research, data interpretation, how findings are used
