Objectivity and values in sociology

Objectivity and values in sociology

1. Early response

   • Comte - law of 3 stages - magic & superstition -> religion -> science. the quality of knowledge has improved over time, resulting in science. This will be the 'end of history' in terms of progression.
   • Durkheim - scientific sociology would reveal the one correct society
   • how do we achieve this value free sociology?
     • questionnaires
     • standardisation
   • LINK
     • BUT- by definition humans are subjective
       • E.G socialisation process
     • Superficial - this is not AATLOM
       • in some circumstances subjectivity is needed
         • E.G choosing a topic- based on personal experiences, value, funding bodies, and social agenda

2. Counter response

   • Gouldner - by th 1950's sociologists had become 'spineless technicians' who were hired by other organisations e.g government, to take on and solve their problems for them. By leaving their own values behind them, sociologists were making a 'gentleman's promise' that they would not rock the boat by criticising or questioning their paymasters. Because they were hired hands they saw their ow values as irrelevant - value freedom.
   • Becker - whose side are we on? Traditionally (positivists and functionalists) sociologists have taken the viewpoint of the powerful E.G police, psychiatrists etc. He argues that instead of being an 'overdog' we should adopt a compassionate stance and take the side of the 'underdog' E.G. criminals, mental patients and other powerless groups.
     • Sociologists have the power to help, so they should.
   • Interpretivists
     • E.G. suicide - Atkinson - we need to use our subjectivity to understand the subjective circumstances of the individual
   • How?
     • Unstructured interviews
       • Empathetic interviews - Ann Oakley
         • wouldn't have gotten anywhere with the women if she had not been subjective about her personal experiences and beliefs
     • Participant observation

3. Conclusion

   • it seems very difficult for sociology to be value free
   • All based on science BUT Kuhn says that although science should be objective, scientists are subjective and follow current thinking - a truth is chosen rather than found
   • a better question: is what sociologists do of value?