What is the concept of value-free sociology? Which sociologist discussed the concept? In what parts of teaching and research is a value-free stance important? In your opinion, can sociology be truly "value-free"?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Varies, but should state that value-free sociology is the concept that sociology should be objective and should not allow personal preferences or judgments bias their research. Max Weber is the sociologist associated with this argument in the text. Scientific methods set out to study things systematically and to consider that any hypothesis can be proven false. Weber suggests that no one can be completely objective and that it is okay to allow one's passions to help determine topics of interest, but the data collection itself should be as value-free as possible in order to avoid bias and unscientific results. Some question the ability to set aside our values, but it is important to be aware of potential biases and maintain procedural objectivity, the attitude of objectivity during the research process. Research should be presented with transparency in how it was carried out, allowing anyone to replicate the research approach and evaluate the merits and shortcomings of the research. Teaching, on the other hand, should be value-free according to Weber. His views were influenced by the use of the classroom to try to propagandize for Marxism in his day, and he opposed the use of the classroom or academic lecture to persuade students to adopt a certain political opinion or social value.