Question

What are some of the reasons for `objectivity’ being more complicated in social sciences, particularly disciplines like sociology?

Answer 1

Objectivity means being unbiased, neutral, or based on facts alone.

(i) In the case of social science, especially sociology, objectivity becomes more complicated because, like every human, there are some notions perceived by sociologists that make it difficult for him/her to study the culture and norms of a different society in a neutral manner. This can lead to incorrect research.

(ii) The sociologist who is conducting research can also get biased if the issues are related to his/her society and can imply his/her personal notions to that study. Hence, despite being reflexive there are chances of unconscious bias.

(iii) There are many versions of truth in the social world. A boy and an old person would have different notions on a particular thing. A shopkeeper and a customer would have different ideas regarding the ‘good price’ of a product. Thus, there is no universal truth in social sciences, making it difficult to arrive at a conclusion.

(iv) Sociology is a ‘multi-paradigmatic’ science. There are different schools of thought that sometimes contradict each other. As a result, ‘objectivity’ becomes complicated in social sciences, especially sociology.