MADS 508 THEORIES OF SOCIO-CULTURAL CHANGE

Max Weber
UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL ACTION, CULTURE AND
ECONOMIC ACTIVITY, SOCIAL STRATIFICATION AND
MODERNITY AND COMPETING VALUES
Max Weber
German Sociologist
Studied law, economics, and history, becoming a
professor at the University of Heidelberg
Explored questions of social theory, particularly
modernity and rationalization.
Famous for "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of
Capitalism," linking Protestantism to capitalism.
 Max Weber
Max Weber was a pioneering figure in sociology whose
contributions have had a profound impact on the discipline.

One of Weber's key contributions was his emphasis on verstehen, or

understanding, as a methodological principle in sociology. He
argued that sociologists should strive to comprehend the subjective
meanings that individuals attach to their actions, rather than merely
observing behavior from an external perspective. This approach
paved the way for the study of social action and the exploration of
the complex motivations and intentions behind human behavior.
 Outline
THEORY OF SOCIAL ACTION
THEORY OF RATIONALIZATION
THEORY OF BUREAUCRACY
TRIPARTITE CLASSIFICATION OF AUTHORITY
THEORY OF RELIGION
 Theory of Social Action
At the core of Weber's sociological theory is the concept of social action, which refers to
any human behavior that takes account of the behavior of others and is thereby oriented
in its course.

Weber categorized social action into four ideal types: traditional, affectual, value-rational,
and instrumental rational. Each type represents a different mode of social behavior driven
by distinct motives and goals.
 Types of Social Action
TRADITIONAL ACTION
Traditional action is guided by custom, habit, or established
routines. It is characterized by a lack of conscious reflection on the
part of the actor, who simply follows the practices and norms of
their culture or community.
Examples: Bayanihan culture, Celebration of
Festivals, Putting up Christmas Trees
VALUE-RATIONAL ACTION
Value-rational action is motivated by a commitment to specific
values or ideals. Individuals engage in value-rational action when
they pursue goals that they believe to be inherently valuable,
regardless of the potential consequences.
Examples: Pursuing higher education in belief of the importance
of learning, joining organization that advocates your advocacies
AFFECTIVE ACTION
Affective action is driven by the emotions and feelings of the
actor. Individuals act based on their immediate emotional states
rather than reasoned considerations.
Examples: Crying over the death of a loved one, Crimes of Passion
RATIONALLY PURPOSEFUL
Rationally purposeful action is characterized by a calculated
pursuit of goals based on a rational assessment of means and
ends. Individuals engage in instrumental rational action when they
seek to maximize their utility or achieve specific outcomes through
efficient means.
Example: Use of planning forms to brainstorm and organize ideas
and courses of action
Theory of Rationalization
According to Weber, rationalization means that there is growth in society where it
develops concerns towards things like efficiency and coordination. Weber considered
rationalization as the application of knowledge to achieve a desired outcome.
 Weber's Theory of Rationalization
Weber coined the term rationalization to explain how society has shifted from reliance on traditions and emotions
towards reliance on rationality and science. He tied this concept to the rise of modern capitalism (Turner, 2002).

Rationalization involves the increasing use of calculable rules, procedures, and methods to organize social life
(Whimster & Lash, 2014). According to Weber, it is most evident in corporate bureaucracies. For example, we can
see rationalization aparent in the clearly-defined workplace rules and hierarchies of the modern bureaucratic state.

The rise of rationalization led to the displacement of intuition as a key tool for decision-making (Beetham, 2018).
Weber argued that the increasing complexity of capitalism meant that intuition was no longer possible –
everything needed to be calculated, traced, and regulated.

Factors contributing to the rise of rationalization included:

Growing respect for science and technology
The growth of capitalist economies
The emergence of modern bureaucracies (Whimster & Lash, 2014)
Examples of Rationalization
 Theory of Bureaucracy
Weber conceptualized bureaucracy as a rational-legal organizational structure
characterized by hierarchical authority, division of labor, written rules and regulations,
impersonality, and merit-based employment. While bureaucracy enhances efficiency and
accountability, it can also lead to red tape, inefficiency, and the alienation of individuals
within the organization.
 Theory of Bureaucracy
Weber (1921) coined the term ‘bureaucracy’ to explain an organizational and managerial approach to
maintaining order in advanced societies. He believed that bureaucracies were the most effective (and
ultimately inevitable) organizational response to a society with an increasing need for:

1. Professionalization: secure and efficient legal, financial etc. transactions.

2. Rationalization: organization based on reason and objectivity rather than emotions or arbitrariness.

For Weber, bureaucracy is not a type of government. It is strictly an ideal management structure run by
technocrats following several key organizational characteristics, including:
Hierarchy (Clear line of authority)
Formal Rules and Procedures
Division of Labor (Specialization)
Impersonality
Merit-Based Recruitment (Formal selection)
Career Orientation
Theory of Bureaucracy
Tripartite Classification of Authority
Weber conceptualized bureaucracy as a rational-legal organizational structure
characterized by hierarchical authority, division of labor, written rules and regulations,
impersonality, and merit-based employment. While bureaucracy enhances efficiency and
accountability, it can also lead to red tape, inefficiency, and the alienation of individuals
within the organization.
 Tripartite Classification of Authority
TRADITIONAL AUTHORITY
Based on long-standing customs and
traditions that are seen as legitimate
sources of authority (Whimster, 2007).
The authority of a monarch or a tribal
chief based on inherited status or long-
standing traditions (Radkau, 2013).
CHARISMATIC AUTHORITY
Based on the personality and charisma of
the leader, who is able to inspire and
motivate followers through their own
personal qualities and vision (Beetham,
2018).
Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership during
the Civil Rights Movement.
RATIONAL-LEGAL AUTHORITY
Based on a system of rules and procedures
that are established and accepted as
legitimate sources of authority (Lachmann,
2007).
The authority of elected officials in a
democracy, who are elected based on a set
of rules and procedures outlined in a
constitution or legal system (Beetham,
2018).
 Theory of Religion
Weber's work on religion focused on the role of religious ideas and values in shaping social
and economic behavior. He famously argued that the Protestant work ethic, which
emphasized hard work, thrift, and individual responsibility, played a significant role in the
development of capitalism in Western Europe.

Weber also explored the relationship between religion and social change, suggesting that
religious beliefs and practices could influence people's attitudes towards economic
activity and social change.
 Theory of Religion
PROTESTANT WORK ETHIC
Protestantism, with its emphasis on
predestination and the notion of the
"calling," encouraged believers to
engage in worldly pursuits such as
work and wealth accumulation as
signs of God's favor.
This Protestant work ethic,
characterized by diligence, frugality,
and a sense of duty, played a
significant role in fostering the
capitalist spirit of rational economic
behavior.
DISENCHANTMENT AND AUTHORITY AND LEGITIMACY
RATIONALIZATION
Weber coined the term "disenchantment" Weber also explored the role of religion in
to describe the modern secularization and legitimizing authority and social order.
rationalization of society.
He examined how religious beliefs and
He argued that as societies transition from institutions confer legitimacy on political
traditional religious worldviews to rulers and social hierarchies.
rationalized, bureaucratic structures, there
is a loss of the magical, mystical elements
of life.
 References
Beetham, D. (2018). Max Weber and the theory of modern politics. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Lachmann, L. M. (2007). The legacy of max weber. Berlin: Ludwig von Mises Institute.

Martin, J. L. (2011). The explanation of social action. Los Angeles: Open University Press..

Radkau, J. (2013). Max Weber: a biography. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Swedberg, R. (2018). Max Weber and the idea of economic sociology. New Jersey: Princeton University Press.

Turner, B. S. (2002). Max Weber: From history to modernity. London: Routledge.

Whimster, S. (2007). Understanding Weber. London: Routledge.

Whimster, S., & Lash, S. (Eds.). (2014). Max Weber, rationality and modernity. New York: Routledge.