A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

Which concept focuses on understanding social behavior through empathetic engagement?

1. Positivism

2. Verstehen

3. Relativism

4. Rationalism

The correct answer is: Verstehen

The concept that focuses on understanding social behavior through empathetic engagement is Verstehen. Originating from German sociologist Max Weber, Verstehen emphasizes the importance of interpreting social actions by putting oneself in the shoes of others. This approach underlines the subjective experience of individuals, allowing researchers to gain insights into the meanings and motivations behind people's actions within their social contexts. In contrast, Positivism emphasizes objective and scientific methods to study social phenomena, advocating for a more detached observation of facts rather than empathetic understanding. Relativism suggests that different cultures and social contexts can shape perspectives, but it does not specifically focus on empathetic engagement for understanding behavior. Rationalism centers on reason and logical deduction as primary sources of knowledge, rather than emotional or empathetic insight into social behaviors.