Mention the arguments of those who consider sociology as science and those who do not consider sociology as science .
Answers
Sociology as a Science:
There exists a great controversy about the exact nature of Sociology. The question whether sociology is a science or not? Perhaps continue to confuse the mind of Sociologists since long. Perhaps due to this Sociologists got divided among themselves into two opposite groups. As a result two opposite views are available about the nature of Sociology. For one group of Sociologists Sociology is a science because Sociology adopts and applies the scientific method. Founding fathers of Sociology Auguste Comte, Emile Durkheim and others subscribe to this view. Others hold different view and opine Sociology is not a science. German Sociologist Max-weber do not accept sociology as a Science.
(1) Sociology adopts scientific method:
Sociology studies social events by adopting scientific method. Though it cannot do experiment with men in a laboratory still man’s social behaviour is subject to scientific investigation like natural phenomenon. It employs scientific methods as scales of Sociometry schedule, case study, interview and questionnaire which is used to quantitatively measure social phenomenon.
(2) Sociology makes accurate observation:
Observation is possible in the field of sociology even if it does not possess a laboratory. Accurate observation is also possible outside the laboratory. Even if Sociology does not possess a laboratory still it makes accurate observation. Hence Sociology is a science. Besides laboratory experiment is not the only criteria of science.
(3) Objectivity is possible in Sociology:
Like natural sciences Sociology also makes objective study. The statement that dowry is a social evil is an objective statement which is based on facts collected by sociologists. Further Survey and revivification proves this. Sociology can also make objective study of social phenomena. New techniques and methods are also introduced to make social phenomena more objective. Hence Sociology is a science.
(4) Sociology describes cause-effect relationship:
Like natural sciences Sociology also traces the cause and find the answers. While studying family or population growth Sociology has traced the relationship between family disorganisation and divorce and population growth and poverty..
Sociology is Not A Science:
There are some others like Max-weber who deny the status of science to Sociology. He said Sociology can’t be an objective Science. However, those who deny the status of science to Sociology they put forth following arguments:
(1) Lack of objectivity:
Sociology cannot be called a science because it cannot maintain complete objectivity with social phenomena. Sociologist has his own prejudice and bias hence he cannot observe his subject with complete detachment. Complete objectivity in the study of human behaviour is impossible Sociology deals with social relationships which cannot studied like physical objects. Hence objectivity is not possible in Sociology.
(2) Lack of Experimentation:
Sociology is not a science because it can’t make experimentation. Sociology deals with human relationships which cannot be put to laboratory test. We can’t see or weigh human relationship because it is abstract in nature. We can’t do experiment with abstract things.
(3) Lack of Prediction:
Like natural sciences Sociology can’t accurately make prediction. Natural Sciences make prediction on the basis of certain data. But Sociology deals with social relationships and human behaviour which are so uncertain and peculiar that we can’t make any accurate prediction about it.
(4) Lack of accurate measurement:
Sociology can’t make accurate measurement like natural sciences. There are definite standards of measurement like k.g.