What does this research mean for the field?

Sociology's operational goal must be restricted to the production of factual knowledge driven by epistemic values, with normative assumptions limited to framing research questions and ethically regulating inquiry rather than driving societal transformation. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This paper examines the role of normative values in sociology, arguing for a focus on factual knowledge instead of practical goals.

June 6, 2026Dialogues in sociology.Open Access

Use and abuse of the normative in sociological research

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MHMartyn Hammersley

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Overview

Analysis reveals the limitations of normative roles in sociology while emphasizing the need for factual knowledge.

Key Points

This paper examines the role of normative values in sociology, arguing for a focus on factual knowledge instead of practical goals.
Analyzes the implications of normative values in sociological studies.
Discusses Max Weber's concept of value relevance and its significance in research question selection.
Explores the roles of ethical and prudential considerations in sociological inquiry.
Practical normative assumptions help determine research questions but do not dictate research conclusions.
Sociologists are constrained by ethical considerations in their pursuit of knowledge.
The paper argues for an epistemic focus in sociology, without aiming to transform society.

Cite This Study

Martyn Hammersley (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a23bbbb71a5da9775e773ab https://doi.org/10.1177/29768667261455571

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June 6, 2026Dialogues in sociology.Open Access

Use and abuse of the normative in sociological research

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

MHMartyn Hammersley

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Analysis reveals the limitations of normative roles in sociology while emphasizing the need for factual knowledge.

Key Points

This paper examines the role of normative values in sociology, arguing for a focus on factual knowledge instead of practical goals.
Analyzes the implications of normative values in sociological studies.
Discusses Max Weber's concept of value relevance and its significance in research question selection.
Explores the roles of ethical and prudential considerations in sociological inquiry.
Practical normative assumptions help determine research questions but do not dictate research conclusions.
Sociologists are constrained by ethical considerations in their pursuit of knowledge.
The paper argues for an epistemic focus in sociology, without aiming to transform society.

Cite This Study

Martyn Hammersley (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a23bbbb71a5da9775e773ab https://doi.org/10.1177/29768667261455571

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark