Exploring Sociological Theories on Objectivity and Subjectivity

This article explores sociological theories on objectivity and subjectivity, including structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interaction. It also discusses the definition of subjectivity and how it relates to value-free sociology.

Running head: SOCIOLOGY 1
Sociology
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Some of the sociological theories have tried to explain the idea of objectivity. A good
example is the theory of structural functionalism. The theory tries to explain how one can remain
objective towards anything he or she is doing as the others see the world. Therefore an
exploration will be done showing how one can remain objective towards the world, if one can try
and remain subjective while making any decisions in relation to trying and understand the
perspective of other people, the definition and meaning of sociology and lastly how can one try
and link the idea of subjectivity with the idea of free sociology.
Most of the sociologists study the social events and patterns so that they can develop the
theory in relation to try and explain the reason behind why some things occur. Theories tend to
differ in scope depending the scale of issues which are to be explained. For instance, the macro-
level philosophies have a great relationship with the large scale matters plus large groups. On the
other hand, micro theories tend to look at specific relationships that occur between individuals
and at the same time some small groups. Sociology therefore tries to provide sociological
perspectives which tend to give an explanation of dissimilar aspects for social life and how one
can remain objective towards the world. There three theories that have dominated the
sociological thinking towards explaining the objectivity of people towards the world. The
theories are explained below.
The first theory is that of structural functionalism. This is a macro level theory. It is also
regarded as the mid-level theory that can be used to explain the objectivity of the world. The
theory tries to explain how one can remain objective through bringing out how different parts of
the society can function together so as to contribute towards the whole world. The second theory
is that of conflict. This is a macro level theory. It tries to explain objectivity through how the
ways of inequalities contribute greatly towards the social differences plus disseminate variances

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in power. The last theory is that of symbolic interaction. The theory puts focus towards one on
one interactions plus communications in relation to objectivity (Sorokin, 1928).
Weber believes that being a human being, one stops living with his or her own demands
of objectivity. Therefore his view becomes more objective towards life. Weber has a belief that
even if the facts become one thing, the social plus economic facts can be evaluated with the
absence of analyzing its influences towards life. Therefore, objectivity can be used in showing
that one value can be superior as compared to the other. Its view also shows that the value of one
person can stem from the nature of human beings (Weber, 2013).
According to sociology, subjectivity can be defined as the view which is based on the
emotive or even personal experience. The word is directly opposite to objectivity. Objectivity is
seen as a bias judgmental and data driven word. Therefore, sociology tries to maintain objectivity
through shunning subjectivity (Knights, D.1989).
Most of the sociologists do not agree if subjectivity can be value free. A good example is
that values are very complex hence can affect what most the researchers are studying. Therefore,
theoretical perspective that is adapted from a particular sociologist towards subjectivity has the
values plus assumptions which may influence a main purpose for any research. Therefore,
subjectivity tends to promote value free sociology because the perspectives of a particular
sociologists become adopted with certain values plus assumptions within the purpose of any
research (Ritzer, 1975).

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References
Knights, D., & Willmott, H. (1989). Power and subjectivity at work: From degradation to
subjugation in social relations. Sociology, 23(4), 535-558.
Ritzer, G. (1975). Sociology: A multiple paradigm science. The American Sociologist, 156-167.
Sorokin, P. A. (1928). Contemporary sociological theories.
Weber, M. (2013). From Max Weber: essays in sociology. Routledge.