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Outline and explain two arguments against the positivist view that sociology can be scientific. - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 6
Outline and explain two arguments against the positivist view that sociology can be scientific.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Outline and explain two arguments against the positivist view that sociology can be scientific. - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Argument 1: Subjectivity in Sociology
Answer
One argument against the positivist view is that sociology deals with subjects that are inherently subjective. Unlike the natural sciences, which often observe and quantify objective phenomena, sociology studies humans and their behaviors. Human behavior is influenced by personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and social contexts, making it difficult to establish universal laws akin to those found in the physical sciences. Thus, positivists may overlook the culturally and historically constructed nature of social reality, leading to an oversimplification.
Step 2
Argument 2: Limitations of Empirical Methods
Answer
A second argument is that the reliance on empirical methods in positivism limits the understanding of complex social phenomena. By focusing solely on quantifiable data, positivists may disregard qualitative aspects such as emotions, motivations, and interpersonal relationships. This oversight can result in a fragmented understanding of society, failing to capture the richness of social interactions, which are often best expressed through interpretative methods rather than purely empirical analysis.