It is both possible and desirable to be objective and value-free in research.
Comte & Durkheim
As the science of society, sociology’s job is to uncover how society works and the laws that govern it’s proper functioning. This knowledge should then be used to improve society.
Marx
Believed that an objective scientific approach should be taken to the study of society to reveal the objective truths about the exploitation of capitalism to give the proletariat class consciousness.
Interpretivist view
It is impossible to keep personal values out of research.
Weber
The researcher is a member of the society that they are studying. Therefore it is impossible to detach values in some stages of sociological research:
Choosing a topic
Data collection
Interpretation
The sociologist has a moral responsibility for the findings of the research
Committed sociology view
It is desirable for sociologists to use their values in research.
Myrdal
Sociologists should openly take sides by adopting the values and interests of particular individuals or groups.
Becker
Sociologists should adopt a compassionate stance and take the side of the underdogs to give these groups a voice and because less is known about them.
