Sociology is NOT a science

Question 1

1 - interpretivists

Answer 1

Scientific research method are inappropriate to study society. Eg can’t research poverty in lab experiments. Aim of sociology is to gain verstehen

Douglas criticised Durkheim study as he used quantitative data and official statistics, issues should as suicide should be studied sensitively to gain verstehan as Douglas studied suicide through documents such as suicide notes

Question 2

2 - committed sociology

Answer 2

As Gouldner argues, Sociology should take sides and advocate the values and interests of particular groups and individuals

eg Marxists take the side of the proletariat and science is the opposite and unbiased and Feminists argue sociolgoy should be on the side of females to give them a voice in patriarchal society. Eg Dobash and Dobash empathising with participants allow researchers to gain verstehen

Sociology must include their values into their research to make a difference to science whereas science encourages objectivity