Factors affecting the choice of research topic (sociology)

Theoretical perspective

New right – might look at the effects of increasing welfare benefits on family structure and life.  This is because welfare dependency is central to new right thinking on the familiy.
Feminists – research into domestic violence.  This is because they are opposed to gender oppression and control in families.

Researchers values

Researchers who are concerned about equality might choose a topic like social class differences in educational achievement.

Society’s values

As societies values change so does the focus…