Values in sociology Flashcards
(10 cards)
What does ‘value freedom’ mean in sociology?
That sociological research should be free from personal or political values and biases.
Who argued that sociology can and should be value-free?
Positivists, such as Comte and Durkheim, believed sociology should be objective like the natural sciences.
What did Max Weber say about values in research?
Values influence topic choice, but researchers should strive to be objective in data collection and analysis.
According to Gouldner (1975), can sociology ever be truly value-free?
No — he argued that pretending to be value-free is itself a value judgment and sociologists should be honest about their biases.
What is committed sociology?
Sociology that openly takes sides, often aligning with marginalised or oppressed groups (e.g., Marxist or feminist approaches).
How do feminists view value freedom?
Many feminists reject value freedom and believe sociology should expose gender inequalities and work toward social change.
What is Becker’s view on values in sociology?
Sociologists should take the side of the underdog and study those with less power in society.
How can funding bodies influence the values in research?
Organisations that fund research may shape the research questions or suppress findings that go against their interests.
What is the difference between personal values and sociological values?
Personal values are the researcher’s own beliefs, while sociological values reflect broader theoretical or political perspectives.
Why is value freedom important for scientific credibility?
Objectivity helps ensure research is unbiased and replicable, increasing its reliability and acceptance in the academic community.
