Subjectivity, objectivity and value

• In relation to sociological research, what is meant by subjectivity?

  Subjectivity is the idea that sociologists are a part of the society they are studying and therefore involved in what they are researching making it impossible for them to be completely objective and detached.
• Who is subjectivity most commonly associated with?

  Interpretivists and feminists - they believe it is necessary to have interaction and personal closeness to those being studied.
• What is meant by objectivity?

  Researchers approach topics with a totally open mind and with complete detachment from those being researched. Remain completely independent of subjective influences.
• Who is objectivity generally associated with?

  Positivism and the use of quantitative scientific methods
• What are the three main positions that can be taken in the 'values debate'?

  1. That sociology should and can be value free
  2. That sociology cannot be value free
  3. That sociology should not be value free even if it were possible
• Why did people like Comte and Durkheim think sociology should be value free?

  In order to give the subject the status and authority that would allow it to be considered a source of impartial, objective information.
• What did Comte and Durkheim think objective value-free sociology could provide?

  The facts that might be used to influence social policy and improve the world.
• Why might some argue that a value-free sociology is not possible?

  It is impossible to avoid the influence of values completely, 'facts' need researchers to give them meaning. Sociologists must have some framework for identifying what they should look at and for interpreting the significance of what they see - this depends on the theoretical assumptions and interpretations of the researcher.
• How do prejudices and political views influence the selection of subjects studied?

  Sociologists are likely to study subjects which highlight what they argue, eg Feminists are concerned with the unequal position of women in the patriarchy and are therefore likely to study subjects that highlight this inequality.
• Why does Gouldner argue that sociology shouldn't seek to be value free?

  Argues value-freedom is little more than a convenient ideology which serves the interests of sociologists who will take funding from anyone and avoid taking moral responsibility for their research. He argues that pretending to be value free and not taking sides supports the powerful in an unequal society.
• What are the value commitments of feminists?

  Challenge patriarchy, fight male oppression and improve the position of women to achieve equality with men.
• What are the value commitments of marxists?

  Expose the structures of social class inequality, exploitation and conflict in capitalist society and the power of the dominant class with a view to destroy them.
• What does Postmodernism say about the value debate?

  Say there is no objective truth and all forms of knowledge are social constructions and involve values, none are more objective or valuable than others.
• What do postmodernists say about the assertion of the importance of value free knowledge?

  It is an attempt by the powerful groups to establish their interpretation as the only valid approach.
• What are three ways in which we can accept the existence of values in society and still produce valid data?

  1. Values cannot be avoided in choosing research but should never be allowed to enter the research process
  2. Values and personal prejudices should be considered when examining the ethics of research
  3. Findings should be open to inspection, criticism, debate and testing.