Chapter Three. The Ethics and Politics of Social Research
THE POLITICS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH
Objectivity and IdeologyThe history of social research has witnessed two view of the role of politics. One tradition has held that research should be above politics--objective. Another, activist, tradition has held that social researchers have an obligation to use their research to improve the lot of humankind.
Politics with a Little "p"
Politics in Perspective
While researchers may differ on the desirability of linking research and politics, most would probably agree that separating them is often difficult if not impossible. Even when researchers are intent on keeping politics out of the picture, we'll see that politics intrude anyway.