Sensitising Concept

Sensitising Concept Definition

The sensitising concept refers to the use of fundamental sociological notions, rather than formal scientific definitions, to guide and direct sociological inquiry. Herbert Blumer employed this approach in his critique of positivist social research, arguing that key concepts such as social cohesion, authority, and class conflict, while vague when treated as strict scientific definitions, were nonetheless valuable tools. These concepts sensitise the researcher by indicating what aspects of social reality are important enough to investigate, thereby offering a necessary direction for sociological study.

Origins and Context

This concept emerged from Herbert Blumer’s extensive writings concerning the methods and philosophy of the social sciences. Blumer was intensely critical of the pretensions of positivist social research when compared to the natural sciences. He recognised that many core sociological ideas lacked the rigorous, formal structure required by scientific standards.

Function in Research

Blumer proposed that although these sociological notions might be of dubious value if treated as formal scientific definitions, they served a crucial practical function: they acted as pointers, sensitising the researcher to the essential elements of social reality that demand attention. This approach allowed sociologists to focus their attention on meaningful areas within the social world rather than pursuing empirically false formalisms.