Values and Objectivity in Sociology

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Sociology is the queen of science and sociologists are latter-day priests of a new scientific religion of truth.
Comte
1 of 8
Saw himself as a scientist and believed his method of historical analysis, historical materialism, could reveal the line of development of human society. Role was to reveal truth of this development.
Marx
2 of 8
Sharp distinction between value judgements and facts, we can't derive one from the other. Values have essential role in sociological research. Values are relevant to choice of research, interpreting data and deciding the use of the findings.
Weber
3 of 8
Sociologists are now 'problem takers' who hire themselves out. Value free sociology is impossible because sociologist values or those of paymasters are bound to be reflected in work.Sociologist should take side of those who are fighting back- underdo
Gouldner
4 of 8
Sociologist should openly take sides - espousing the values and interests of particular individuals or groups
Mydral
5 of 8
Values are always present in sociology. Sociologist should adopt compassionate stance and take side of underdogs as less is known about them and their story should be told to redress the balance.
Becker
6 of 8
To describe the situation of a mental patient faithfully, we have to take their side. We have to be biased in favour of the patient
Goffman
7 of 8
It is neither possible nor desirable to keep values out of research
Mydral and Gouldner
8 of 8

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Saw himself as a scientist and believed his method of historical analysis, historical materialism, could reveal the line of development of human society. Role was to reveal truth of this development.

Back

Marx

Card 3

Front

Sharp distinction between value judgements and facts, we can't derive one from the other. Values have essential role in sociological research. Values are relevant to choice of research, interpreting data and deciding the use of the findings.

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Sociologists are now 'problem takers' who hire themselves out. Value free sociology is impossible because sociologist values or those of paymasters are bound to be reflected in work.Sociologist should take side of those who are fighting back- underdo

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Sociologist should openly take sides - espousing the values and interests of particular individuals or groups

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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