Table of Contents

Do you think that common sense is the starting point of social research What are its advantages and limitations

Section: A.
Sociology Paper 2023 Analysis.
Relevant for Paper 1: Unit 1 Sociology- The Discipline: Sociology and Common Sense

Question 4 (a): Do you think that common sense is the starting point of social research What are its advantages and limitations.

(20 Marks)

Introduction: Common Sense Definition and Brief about Starting Point of Research.

Main Body: Explain role of Common Sense as Starting Point in Research as a tool from Viewpoint of Grounded Theory, Phenomenologists, Structuration Theory etc. then Advantage and Limitations of Common Sense in Social Research.

Conclusion: Balanced Approach that Combines Common Sense with Scientific Methods is Crucial in Social Research.

Introduction:

Common sense, often defined as practical wisdom or sound judgment, is a fundamental aspect of human cognition. It is the knowledge and beliefs that are widely held and considered self-evident within a particular culture or society.
Common sense is a potential starting point for social research, as it provides a foundation for understanding and interpreting social phenomena. In social research, common sense can serve as an initial point of reference, providing a basic understanding of human behaviour and societal phenomena.

Main body:

Common Sense as a starting point in Social Research:

The use of common sense can lead to the development of grounded theory in social research, where theories are built from the ground up, based on observations and experiences.

Common sense can provide practical solutions to social issues. For example, Robert K. Merton’s ‘Middle Range Theory’ which is based on observable facts and common sense, aids in solving real-world problems.
Symbolic interactionists, such as George Herbert Mead and Erving Goffman, place a strong emphasis on common sense in their research. They study how people create and interpret symbols and meanings in their everyday interactions. Common sense is central to their approach as it underpins the shared symbols and gestures people use to communicate.
Phenomenologists like Alfred Schutz and Edmund Husserl believe that common sense is valuable as it forms the everyday, lived experiences of individuals. They argue that understanding the subjective meanings and interpretations of individuals is crucial for in-depth social research. Common sense can serve as a starting point for exploring these meanings.
Similarly Giddens, in his structuration theory, acknowledges the role of common sense in social life. He argues that common sense is essential for individuals to navigate the complexities of their social world. It helps people make practical, everyday decisions and interpret their social contexts.

Advantage of Common Sense in Social Research

Easy Comprehension: The use of common sense in social research makes the findings more relatable and easier to understand for the general public. For example, Max Weber’s concept of ‘verstehen’ or interpretive understanding, which is rooted in common sense, helps in comprehending social action.
Initial Hypothesis Formation: According to John Madge every scientific enquiry starts with common sense knowledge. Common sense can help in forming initial hypotheses or assumptions in social research. For instance, Emile Durkheim’s study of suicide rates was initially based on the common-sense notion that social integration influences suicidal tendencies.
Ethnographic Insights: Ethnographers often rely on common sense to understand the social and cultural dynamics of a community, as Clifford Geertz’s interpretive approach in anthropology suggests.
Accessibility: Common sense is readily available to researchers and can serve as a convenient starting point.

Limitations of Common Sense in Social Research

Subjectivity: Common sense is subjective and varies from person to person. What may seem like common sense to one person may not be the same for another. This subjectivity can lead to biases in social research. According to Emile Durkheim common sense was deceptive, unrealistic, untestified and speculative.
Lack of Empirical Evidence: Common sense often lacks empirical evidence and is based on personal beliefs and experiences. This can lead to inaccurate conclusions in social research.
Oversimplification: Common sense can lead to oversimplification of complex social phenomena, obscuring the underlying dynamics and structures.
Resistant to Change: Common sense is often resistant to change and can hinder the development of new theories and concepts in social research.
Culturally relative: for instance what is considered common sense in one culture may not be the same in another. This cultural relativism can limit the applicability of common sense in cross-cultural social research.
Localised knowledge : Andre Beteille says that Sociological knowledge tends to be general, if not universal; on the other hand common sense knowledge is particular and localized.
Max Weber, a prominent sociologist, cautioned against relying solely on common sense in social research. He argued that common sense might be based on subjective, personal experiences and values, making it unreliable for scientific investigation. He emphasized the importance of value neutrality and systematic inquiry to ensure objectivity in social.

Conclusion:

While common sense can provide a starting point in social research, it is essential to move beyond it to gain a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of social phenomena. Sociologists like Pierre Bourdieu have emphasised the importance of scientific objectivity in social research, which goes beyond common sense. Therefore, a balanced approach that combines common sense with scientific methods is crucial in social research.

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