Positivism
According to positivism human behavior can be studied scientifically in the same way as the natural phenomena. For positivists the subject matter of sociology is certainly different from that of natural sciences but the scientific methodology, characterized by objectivity, experimentation, value neutrality and dispassionate approach, is as valid to study of man and society as to study the matter. Use of physical science model, mathematical or statistical models are all reflective of positivistic approach in sociology (Box 8.1). They attempt to explain human behavior with the help of physical, mathematical and statistical laws and equations. Those who criticize the positivist approach (for example, phenomenologists) stress that human behavior is not determined fully by outside forces. They aver that a man acts according to his own subjective meaning of situation and action. Moreover, the meanings are not contingent on environment only, they are heavily dependent on one’s biographic situation, experiences, interaction, context and many other factors which are difficult to predict.
Box 8.1: Positivism
|
The job of the natural scientist is to observe, measure, and then explain …. The positivist approach to human behaviour applies the similar logic. Men react to external stimuli and their behaviour can be explained in terms of this reaction. For example they enter into marriage and produce children in response to the demands of society. Society requires such behaviour for its survival and its members simply respond to this requirement. The meanings and purposes they attach to this behaviour are largely inconsequential.
From Harlambos, M., 1990, p.19. |
|
