value freedom & commitment

which sociologists argued that their own values were irrelevant to their research?

mid 20th century positivists

what two reasons did modern positivists give for being their own values were irrelevant?

• desire to appear scientific

• social position of sociology

why did modern positivists want to appear scientific?

to make sociology respectable

why did values affect the social position of sociology?

• Gouldner → american sociologists became spiritless technicians by 50s

• sociology changed from a critical discipline by making a gentleman’s promise that they would not rock the boat by criticism of their paymasters

what does Myrdal argue?

sociologists should not only spell out their values but should openly take sides by espousing the values of particular individuals

what does Gouldner see value free sociology as?

• impossible because of the sociologists + paymaker’s values

• undesirable

what view does Becker take on value freedom?

sociologists should adopt a compassionate stance and take the side of the underdogs because less is known about these groups and their story needs to be told to redress the balance

what example does Goffman illustrate the importance of siding with the underdog with?

to describe the situation of the mental patient faithfully, we need to take their side and be biased in their favour

how does Gouldner critiicse Becker?

takes a romantic and sentimental approach to disadvantaged groups, rather than taking the side of those who are fighting back