Photo AI
Outline and explain two reasons why official statistics should not be seen as social facts. - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 6
Outline and explain two reasons why official statistics should not be seen as social facts.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Outline and explain two reasons why official statistics should not be seen as social facts. - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Official statistics are socially constructed
Answer
Official statistics are generated through specific processes and criteria that reflect societal values and priorities rather than an objective reality. This means that they are influenced by the definitions of social phenomena, how data is collected, and who is included or excluded. For example, crime statistics may depend on the legality of certain acts, which can vary widely based on societal norms. This construction raises questions about their validity as direct reflections of social facts.
Step 2
Official statistics may be ideologically biased
Answer
The collection, presentation, and interpretation of official statistics can reflect ideological biases, often reflecting the interests of those in power. For instance, the way unemployment rates are calculated may not account for discouraged workers or those in part-time jobs who would prefer full-time work. Hence, these statistics may portray an overly optimistic view of the economic situation, leading to misinterpretations of social realities.