VALUE FREE SOCIOLOGY METHODS

Question 1

What is committed sociology?

Answer 1

• Research that incorporates values to improve society.

Question 2

Early Positivism - Comte and Durkheim

Answer 2

• Sociology’s job is to discover objective truth and reveal the correct society.

Question 3

Marxism

Answer 3

Capitalism will be overthrown by the proletariat when they gain false class consciousness.

Question 4

Weber

Answer 4

• We should incorporate values into choosing and interpreting data, but not when collecting facts.

Question 5

Positivism

Answer 5

• Only recognises information that is scientifically verified or can be logically proven.

Question 6

Modern Positivists

Answer 6

• They have a desire to be scientific in order to raise the subjects status and earn respectability.

Question 7

Gouldner (1950) Modern Positivist

Answer 7

• Sociologists went from being problem makers to problem takers.

Question 8

Committed Sociology - Myrdal

Answer 8

• Impossible not to include values, likely the sociologist or paymasters values will be reflected in the work.
• Undesirable without values, sociologists are merely selling their services to the highest bidder.