Paper - 1 Chapter - 2
Paper - 1 Chapter - 2
Paper - 1 Chapter - 2
Paper -1
Chapter - 2
Q1. Is Sociology a Science? Give reason for your answer
Q2. How objectivity is different from value-neutrality? Discuss.
Q3. Non-positivist methodology is essential for understanding human
behaviour. Discuss.
(All the questions shall be answered in not more than 200 words)
Q1. Is Sociology a Science? Give reason for your answer.
Structure –
- What is Science
- Why Sociology is a science
- Why it is not
- Conclude
What is Science
Science can be defined as –
“use of systematic methods of empirical investigation, the analysis of
data, theoretical thinking and logical assessment of arguments to
develop a body of knowledge about a particular subject matter.”
To qualify as a science, for any discipline, certain criteria can be like,
Sociology as a science
Initial sociologists wanted to develop Sociology on bases of natural
science-
Quote These - Saint Simon (social physics), August Comte (statistics and
dynamics), Herbert Spencer (organismic analogy), Durkheim (moral
density, moral volume).
Weber says that Sociology is a general science of society. It is a science
which attempts at interpretative understanding of social action in order
to arrive at a causal explanation of its courses and effects.
Since beginning, Sociology has been developed and flourished under
the influence of positivism which considers it as a positive science of
society based on empiricism, experimentation.
Why Sociology is a Science
Comte writes that Sociology has key features of Science viz. Perspective,
methods of study, subject matter, etc.
1. Inter-subjective reliability:
It is the extent to which other researchers are able to reach the same
results if they were to replicate one’s study.
Sociology has concepts which have universal meanings irrespective of
who is the investigator. Example: Family, Religion.
2. Objective and Value-free:
This is also possible to a great degree.
According to Weber, objectivity is possible through methods like,
‘Verstehen’ and ‘Ideal types’. Durkheim suggested ‘indirect
experimentation to prove empirical validity of social theories.
3. Generalizations and theoretical orientation:
It is also possible to certain extent.
Example:
Durkheim theory of religion and Pparsons theory of social system claimed
to be universal theory, incest taboo, etc.
4. Quanitifiability:
Social phenomenon can be observed albeit directly/indirectly- Durkeim
social facts and Weber- Ideal types.
Sociology employs scientific methods like scales of sociometer,
schedules, questionnaire, interview, case history, comparison, etc.
Conclude
But if seen as method of enquiry, sociology fulfils all conditions.
Conception of science has changed – enlightenment ideologies
consider it as a body of knowledge (empirical (observed)/testable
(verified)/uniform laws) based on natural science.
Karl Popper says that science is not a body of knowledge but a method
of approaching and studying phenomenon.
Natural science – astronomy is considered a science but
experimentation not possible.
In Sociology, scientific method is not bound by the empirical nature of
study, but is more concerned with methodology. Hence, it can’t
become like a natural science but it is like social science. As Stuart Chaze
said, “Science is science whether it is sociology or biology”.
Thus, Sociology as a Science can, be seen through the following lens-
1) Methodology (positivism/non positivism)
2) Spirit (critical)
3) Purpose (to know the truth)
4) Consequences (curiosity and solving the problem)
Q2. How objectivity is different from value-neutrality? Discuss.
Structure –
- Define Objectivity
- Define Value Neutrality
- Correlate
- Differentiate
- Conclude
Correlate
Weber - Max Weber in his book ‘Methods of Social Sciences’ talked at
length about objectivity and value neutrality.
He also proposed ways to ensure objectivity and value-neutrality.
Even during research, there are various points when the problem of loss
of objectivity or loss of value neutrality can creep in.
Andre Beteille – Brahmins did not let him visit the Unthouchables’
locality, hence subjectivity can also creep in because of field
limitations.
Conclude
Martin Heidegger talks about how interpretation of text and context will
give ‘what is’ and ‘what ought to be’.
General elements-
- Internal sides
- Scientific methods as natural science cannot be used in social
science
- No general theory
- Futility of objective approach
Critique:
- Vague methods (verstehen),
- Dependence on the ability of investigator
- Time consuming and costly
- Contradictory explanations (various Ideal types for same
phenomenon)
- Reliability and validity cannot be achieved
Conclusion:
Ray Pawson: Discussing which is better between positivism & non-
positivism is 60s hangover.
Alan Bryman: Choice of methodology depends on type of research
(purposive research).
Post modernist ( no knowledge is untrue, voices of diverse groups be
encouraged, meta narratives)