Should Sociologists be Involved in Social Policy? Flashcards Preview

Theory & Methods - Sociology AQA > Should Sociologists be Involved in Social Policy? > Flashcards

Flashcards in Should Sociologists be Involved in Social Policy? Deck (11)
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1
Q

sociology should be involved in social policy - founders of sociology aim

A

the study of the social world way to improve society

so making social policy recommendations solve social problems found in research

2
Q

sociology should be involved in social policy - who is the largest funding agency for research?

A

the government

those not included in applied social research are likely to be short of funds

3
Q

sociology should be involved in social policy - marsland

A

sociologists actively involved in policy research produce benefits for the community through evidence-based policy making

4
Q

sociology should be involved in social policy - what will happen if sociologists don’t get involved?

A

research will still be carried out but
sociology will become marginalised
policy areas less informed
social policy vulnerable to manipulation by powerful groups that want to promote their interests

5
Q

sociology should not be involved in social policy - issues with funding

A

sources funding will only find research that meets their approval for particular purposes

6
Q

sociology should not be involved in social policy - theoretical & methodological implications

A

governments prefer quantitative positivist methods

7
Q

sociology should not be involved in social policy - why do radical sociologists refuse?

A

avoid accidentally contributing to social policies that might reinforce patriarchy or against the interests of the poor

8
Q

sociology should not be involved in social policy - what do sociologists have no control over?

A

how their research is interpreted or used

may contribute to producing policies dealing with symptoms than the actual problem

9
Q

postmodernist view on sociologists being involved in social policy

A

sociology shouldn’t be involved as sociology has no contribution to make
discussion is irrelevant

10
Q

postmodernist view on sociologists being involved in social policy - what do sociologists that influence social policy impose?

A

their view on reality on others
displace alternative views
enhances control of those in power by providing evidence that reinforces their positions
provide interpretations rather than universal truths/firm evidence

11
Q

postmodernist view on sociologists being involved in social policy - what is sociology’s role?

A

contribute to social understanding