Differential characterisation of social research
Abstract
How could we characterize a distinctive criterion that allows to identify the nature of social research? My proposal aims to consider social science as a field where empathy and interpretation play a key role in the research processes. Under this scope, the work of the social researcher is analyzed from an ethical commitment, leading to understand it as a social activity. I consider that social research cannot be solely understood as a technical procedure, since it must also admit the reflection and identification of the values that are involved in its formulation in accordance with the safeguard of the rights specific to its field of study. By doing so, the point of view of researchers regarding humanity and society make up a decisive factor in promoting the ethical components contained in the set of practices represented by social research.
Keywords:
social research, ethics, responsibility, rightsReferences
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