Below is a UPSC-ready, Notion-compatible explanation, focusing on “meaning” + “how depth is achieved” + Western & Indian illustrations, without condensing any part artificially.
Deeper sociological insight refers to an understanding of social reality beyond observable facts, focusing on:
Non-positivists argue that society is not merely an external object, but a meaningful world constructed and interpreted by social actors.
Hence, understanding society requires interpretation (Verstehen) rather than mere measurement.
| Positivist Focus | Non-Positivist Critique |
|---|---|
| Observable facts | Misses subjective meanings |
| Quantification | Ignores emotions, values |
| Law-like generalisations | Neglects context |
| Objectivity | Overlooks researcher–researched interaction |
Non-positivists argue that social actions cannot be understood without knowing “why” actors act, not just “how often”.