8 Misleading images of Sociology as depicted in Peter Berger’s article:1.Sociologists are social workers; they are seen as professionals helping out people in the community.
This is an inaccurate image of sociologists as sociological knowledge can be useful to people of varying professions and anyone concerned with action in the society.
These actions however, are not specifically humanitarian. They are not related to the character of the information itself.
2.Sociologists are perceived as theoretician for social work.
In actuality, social work is more influenced by psychology then sociology when developing its theory.
There is a major difference between sociology and social work. Social work is a certain practice in the society but sociology is the attempt to understand it.
Sociological understanding can be applied not only to social workers, but also to those whose professions involve the manipulation of men.
3.Sociology is value-free; scientific integrity is the only fundamental value.
The sociologist has many values, with his own set of convictions, emotions and prejudices. He has to control these as bias and eliminate them from his work.
Sociologists have to see what is there, putting their hopes and fears aside as to what they might find.
4.Sociologists are social reformers. They play the role of arbiter of all branches of knowledge for the welfare of men. They are also expected to come up with blueprints for reform on any number of social issues.
The Research paper on Social Theory at Work
For the two hour exam, you will be expected to answer two questions from a choice of four. While the question choices will be on specific topics, you will be expected to demonstrate a critical appreciation of social theory at work, as outlined in the Intended Learning Outcomes. No books or notes will be allowed into the examination, this includes dictionaries. Core Readings This list comprises the ...
In the real world, sociologists may be engaged to give advice on social conditions. However, it is not part of their job scope to actually carry out reforms to change these social conditions.
This misleading image is similar to that of sociologists who are seen as social workers.
5.Sociologists are gatherer of statistics about human behavior.
Sociological research is being mistaken for para-sociological work which deals with getting public opinions and market trends.
Sociologists gather statistical data that are relevant to their theoretical frame of reference and are used in sociological interpretation.
6.Sociologists are scientists, whose main concern is to develop scientific methodologies which can then be imposed on human phenomena.
To develop scientific rules of evidence, sociologists require methodological problems to deliberate upon.
Methodology is a necessary and valid part of the sociological enterprise.
7.Sociologists are perceived as a certain kind of person; a detached, sardonic observer, and a cold manipulator of men.
It represents an ironic triumph of their efforts to be accepted as a true scientist.
This image is held by those who are concerned about the misuse of sociology in modern societies, mainly due to political reasons.
8.Sociologists are seen as historians.
When sociologists change their focus from the present to the past, their roles are indistinguishable from those of the historians.
Sociological research may be impoverished if historical data is not included.
