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Politics, knowledge and objectivity in sociology of education: a response to the case for 'ethical reflexivity' by Gewirtz and Cribb

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 00:13 authored by John Abraham
The present article examines the relationship between political values and social research, with particular reference to the case for ethical reflexivity in sociology of education put forward by Gewirtz and Cribb. It is argued that their case for such reflexivity is flawed by conceptual imprecision and over-determination of the links between value commitments, knowledge and the political implications of research. Drawing on a case study of a controversy in sociology of education, combined with a more discriminating conceptual analysis of political values in social research, it is suggested that the Gewirtz-Cribb 'manifesto' for routine ethical reflexivity may be inefficient and impractical. An alternative way of thinking about political reflexivity in sociology of education is offered, as are some possible avenues of philosophical resolution between the main protagonists of the longstanding debate on 'what to do about values' in sociology of education.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

British Journal of Sociology of Education

ISSN

01425692

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Issue

5

Volume

29

Page range

537-548

Pages

12.0

Department affiliated with

  • Sociology and Criminology Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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