Common-sense and sociological approaches and the differences between them
Common-Sense Approaches to Society
- Common-sense knowledge is often based on personal experiences, judgements and assumptions.
- It tends to be subjective, as it is heavily influenced by personal biases.
- This approach refers to the knowledge someone has of the world that's developed from daily life, without formal study or examination.
- It rarely questions the fundamental aspects of social life and assumes that things are the way they are due to natural or logical reasons.
- Common-sense knowledge generally lacks a theoretical framework, being driven by practical considerations rather than by systematic study.
- It does not recognise its own limitations and lacks reflexivity.
Sociological Approaches to Society
- The sociological approach is about using specific methods and theories to study the social world.
- This approach emphasises on research and testing hypothesis rather than just relying on conventional wisdom or common-sense knowledge.
- Unlike common-sense, sociological approach is systematic and empirical; it relies on measurable and verifiable evidence.
- It provides a framework in which the social world can be examined at different levels of abstraction and from varying perspectives.
- This approach recognises that individual behaviour is influenced by larger social forces and structures, not just personal traits or motivations.
- The sociological approach is reflexive: It acknowledges its own biases and limitations, striving for objectivity.
Differences Between Them
- Common-sense knowledge is based on personal experience while sociological knowledge is based on scientific methods of data collection and analysis.
- Sociological approaches are systematic and empirical, while common-sense approaches tend to be anecdotal and lack systematic investigation.
- Unlike common-sense, sociological knowledge is theory-driven, meaning it is based on established scientific theories.
- Common-sense approaches often do not question their own premises, while sociological approaches constantly reconsider their assumptions and methods in the light of new evidence.
- Sociological approach understands individual behaviour in the context of broader social structures, while common-sense tends to attribute behaviour to individual traits or motivations.