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Model Answer 3

The document discusses the feasibility and desirability of sociology as a value-free discipline, presenting arguments from both early and later sociologists. Early sociologists like Comte and Durkheim advocated for a value-free approach, while later thinkers such as Weber and feminist scholars argue that values are integral to sociological research. The conclusion emphasizes that a balance between fact, value, and objectivity is essential in sociology, as complete separation is unattainable.

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2 views3 pages

Model Answer 3

The document discusses the feasibility and desirability of sociology as a value-free discipline, presenting arguments from both early and later sociologists. Early sociologists like Comte and Durkheim advocated for a value-free approach, while later thinkers such as Weber and feminist scholars argue that values are integral to sociological research. The conclusion emphasizes that a balance between fact, value, and objectivity is essential in sociology, as complete separation is unattainable.

Uploaded by

Kamran firoz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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(DAW)

DAILY ANSWER WRITING


July’25
SOCIOLOGY OPTIONAL
(Paper-I)
(Model Answer-3)
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Sunya IAS – DAILY ANSWER WRITING (DAW) – July’25
SOCIOLOGY OPTIONAL – PAPER –I
(Model Answer)
Q.3 Sociology aspires to become value free. Comment on its feasibility and desirability.

(150 words, 10marks)

Approach

Introduction: Define what value free means concisely and precisely.


Body:
● Divide body into 2 parts
○ Sociology can be value free (Early sociologists, Positivist school)
○ Sociology cannot be value free (Later sociologists, non positivists)
● Diagram showing influence of values at various stages of research
Conclusion: Conclusion should show that value relevance and value influence is part of
sociology discipline. Despite values sociologists must endeavour to maintain objectivity in
sociological research.

Introduction:
Value free means complete detachment of the research from the value sets of the observer as
well as the participant during the lifecycle of sociological research. It ensures objectivity in
sociological research.

Sociology as a value free science feasible and desirable: Early Sociologists

● Auguste Comte: Comte was one of the pioneers of sociology and positivist approach
and thus value freedom. New urban centres were plagued with new social problems –
most notably poverty, unemployment, and social unrest. Comte basically believed that
if we can use scientific findings to bring about improvements in the social world. To
ensure objectivity he suggested a positivist method for studying macro aspects.
● Emile Durkheim: He preferred inductive methodology and statistical techniques to
make sure his research is free from subjective biases. For Durkheim sociology is

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Sunya IAS – DAILY ANSWER WRITING (DAW) – July’25
SOCIOLOGY OPTIONAL – PAPER –I
completely value free as its subject is ‘social facts’ that are outside the individual and
constraint the individual’s actions
● Herbert Spencer: Herbert Spencer incorporated the theory of evolution into society.
He explained that society evolved similarly to living organisms. Spencer stated that
similar to species, society would evolve from a simple form and progress to a
complex form. Thus he also maintained a value-free approach to sociology.

Sociology as a Value free science neither feasible nor desirable: Later Sociologists

Later sociologists took a more accommodative approach to value relevance and objectivity.

● Weber: Value neutrality as per Max Weber, is the duty of sociologists to identify and
acknowledge their own values and overcome their personal biases when conducting
sociological research. As per him, values can be tolerated at the level of selecting the
research topic but later steps must be value-free. This can be done by Ideal Types,
Verstehen etc. egs Weber’s study on Protestant ethics and spirit of Capitalism.
● Phenomenology and Ethnomethodology: They are concerned with the study of
social phenomena, in relation to the causal factors and outcomes. They emphasise the
study of meaning, motives and values that shape human actions in social setup. Thus
they are against a strictly value-free approach. Egs. Marriage as an institution presents
a different reality to different individuals based on their value systems.
● Post-structuralists: They do not believe in the existence of absolute truths or total
objectivity. Value freedom cannot exist because contemporary reality is very
fragmented and there is no one complete truth. Egs For some internet is opportunity
for others it is den of crime and surveillance.
● Feminist School: Feminists like Ann Oakley, Sylvia Walby believe that sociology
should be used to reform and change the patriarchal system. Thus, some values like
equality, justice are important and sociology cannot be completely value-free.
● Values lead to different results and understanding of social phenomenon. Egs Oscar
lewis (Marxist) and Robert redfield (Functionalist) gave totally opposite interpretation
of social order in Yucantan, Mexico

Conclusion:
The combination of fact, value and objectivity gives meaning to the subject matter of
sociology. Complete separation of fact and value never existed, only a suitable balanced
model can be devised. Thus today, value relevance as per research requirement should be the
focus.

******

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