Value Freedom

Question 1

What are values?

Answer 1

Values are beliefs, opinions and prejudices that individuals hold, influenced by class, gender, ethnicity and personal experiences.

Question 2

What is relativism?

Answer 2

Relativism is the view that there is no independent way to judge whether one viewpoint is more true than another.

Question 3

What do positivists believe about value freedom?

Answer 3

Positivists believe sociology should be objective and value free, focusing on uncovering the truth about how society works rather than subjective opinions.

Question 4

Which thinkers support positivism and value freedom?

Answer 4

Durkheim, Comte and Marx.

Question 5

Why do positivists argue sociology should be value free?

Answer 5

They believe objectivity allows sociologists to uncover laws of society and prescribe what is best for society with scientific certainty.

Question 6

What is committed sociology?

Answer 6

The view that sociologists should openly state their values and actively take sides in support of certain social groups.

Question 7

Who is associated with committed sociology?

Answer 7

Alvin Gouldner.

Question 8

What is Gouldner’s criticism of value-free sociology?

Answer 8

He argues it is impossible because researchers’ values always influence research, and undesirable because it turns sociology into a service for the highest bidder without moral guidance.

Question 9

What is Becker’s view on values in sociology?

Answer 9

Becker argues sociologists inevitably take sides and should take the side of the underdog rather than the powerful.

Question 10

Why does Becker argue sociologists should study the underdog?

Answer 10

Because less is known about these groups and their experiences need to be highlighted to redress the balance of power.

Question 11

What is the feminist view on values in sociology?

Answer 11

Feminists argue sociology should be driven by values and political beliefs to expose patriarchy and work towards making society more equal.

Question 12

What was Weber’s view on value freedom?

Answer 12

Weber argued sociology cannot be completely value free but some aspects of it can be.

Question 13

What distinction did Weber make regarding values?

Answer 13

He distinguished between facts, which can be proven or disproven, and value judgements, which cannot.

Question 14

According to Weber, in which area can sociology be value free?

Answer 14

Data collection.

Question 15

Why did Weber believe data collection should be value free?

Answer 15

To ensure objectivity, avoid leading questions, and allow hypotheses to be tested solely against observed facts.

Question 16

According to Weber, in which areas can sociology not be value free?

Answer 16

Choice of topic and interpretation of data.

Question 17

Why is the choice of topic not value free?

Answer 17

Because it reflects what researchers believe is important or worthy of study.

Question 18

Why is interpretation of data not value free?

Answer 18

Because data must be interpreted using theoretical frameworks that are influenced by researchers’ values and beliefs.