Sociology: Value Freedom

What is value freedom in sociological research?

What is the positivist view on objectivity in sociological research?

What is the main methodological approach of positivists?

What is the interpretivist view on objectivity in sociological research?

Why do interpretivists believe that research is always biased?

What is the main goal of positivists in sociological research?

What is a potential influence on the outcome of research?

Which of the following sociologists is associated with taking the side of the underdog?

What is the primary goal of Durkheim's study on suicide?

What is a criticism of Durkheim's study on suicide from an interpretivist perspective?

What is the primary difference between positivist and interpretivist approaches to sociology?

What is the implication of Durkheim's study on suicide from a positivist perspective?

Values and Value Freedom in Sociological Research

Values are beliefs, opinions, and prejudices influenced by social structures we belong to
Value freedom refers to being objective and removing personal beliefs from research

Positivist and Interpretivist Views on Value Freedom

Positivists: YES, it is possible and desirable to remain objective and produce true and scientific knowledge about society
Interpretivists: NO, it is impossible to remain objective; sociological research will always be subjective and contain bias

Positivist Approach

Aims to uncover truth and social facts to make society better
Methods: quantitative data, objective, and reliable
Objectivity through detachment/neutrality, avoiding personal contact
Example: Durkheim's study on suicide, using official statistics to draw correlations between suicides in different countries, urban/rural areas, religions, and marital status

Interpretivist Critique of Positivism

Subject choice is biased based on researchers' values (e.g., feminists vs. malestream sociology)
Methodological choices are value-laden
Funding influences results (e.g., pleasing funding bodies)
Values guide research (Gouldner), taking the side of the underdog (Becker), and entirely values-based (feminists)

Interpretivist Approach

Example: criticisms of Durkheim's suicide study, arguing that judgments were subjective and influenced by personal experiences and values

Conclusion

Durkheim's study: proof that sociology can be scientific and value-free (positivist view)
Durkheim's study: cannot be value-free due to subjective judgments and personal influences (interpretivist view)

Explore the debate on value freedom in sociological research, including the perspectives of positivists and interpretivists on objectivity and truth in social science.