Sociology Hesitant: Exploring the Methodological Implications of Contemporary Du Boisian Sociology

Contemporary U.S. sociology is undergoing a long delayed but welcome Du Boisian transformation. Sparked by several recent works—most importantly Aldon Morris’ (2015) The Scholar Denied—a slate of sociologists have begun to recover Du Bois from the margins of disciplinary history and have worked on articulating the theoretical foundations for contemporary sociology. While U.S. sociology has largely modeled itself in the image of the Chicago School, recent scholarly interventions have made clear that Du Bois’ work presents a path not taken. If Chicago sociologists constructed marginalized and oppressed groups as “problem peoples,” Du Bois’ sociology begins with the question: “How does it feel to be a problem?” As Du Bois himself moved towards global frameworks, this presentation situates Du Bois’ work as an entry point to articulate a sociology based on second sight, the knowledge generated from the lived experiences of marginalized and oppressed groups. Yet, while contemporary Du Boisian sociologists have largely focused on Du Bois’ theoretical innovations, this presentation reflects on the methodological implications of this development. What do research ethics and data collection look like from a Du Boisian perspective? How might Du Boisian sociology generate a more accountable, relevant, and emancipatory sociological project? With such questions in mind, we reflect on the joint production of an edited volume, which brings together contemporary Du Boisian sociologists across the US, who challenge dominant methodological approaches. We discuss the significance of Du Bois’ changing stance on science and politics, and the role of ethics in sociological methodologies and research practices.