Perspectives on Methodology: Positivism vs. Interpretism

Perspectives on Methodology: Positivism vs. Interpretism

1. Sociologists choice of method is influenced by their social perspective. Meaning, their view of what society is like and how we should study it.

2. Positivism (Structural Approach)

   • Positivists concern themselves with the MACRO
   • Assume society exists independently of individuals, it has an OBJECTIVE factual actual reality, just like the physical natural world, it is 'out there'. Just like the natural world it can bee investigated SCIENTIFICALLY using the methods of the 'natural sciences'.

3. Interpretivism: (Social Action Approach)