Author Question: How do the authors justify the claim that the study of social problems cannot be value-free? How do ... (Read 73 times)

APUS57 · **on:** Jul 2, 2018

How do the authors justify the claim that the study of social problems cannot be value-free? How do they suggest that we deal with bias?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Discuss the dangers of relying solely on the person-blame approach in explaining social problems.

What will be an ideal response?

wfdfwc23 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 2, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ideal Answer: The ideal answer should include the following:
1. Describe the concept of value neutrality.
2. Describe the three primary objections to the ideal of value neutrality in sociological research.
3. Conclude with a discussion of the methods sociologists use to deal with the problem of bias in research.

Answer to Question 2

Ideal Answer: The ideal answer should include the following:
1. Define the person-blame approach to studying social problems.
2. Outline how the person-blame approach protects the established order against criticism.
3. Describe what is troublesome about the social control function of the person-blame approach. Give specific examples.
4. Describe how the person-blame approach defines the degree of control individuals have over their fate. Give examples of how this may be problematic.
5. Conclude with an argument against using the person-blame approach. Give specific examples of how the approach has failed in the past.