Explain the contribution of one of the theorists covered in the course to the development of sociological thinking.

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Max Weber assignment.

Question:

Explain the contributionof one of the theorists covered in the course to the development of sociological thinking.

Max Weber, (1864-1920),

Weber has a place in history as one of the founders of sociological thought. His ideas, which spanned subjects from economic history to the sociology of music, continue to be extremely influential to the present day.

If one were asked to cite two traditions apparently most influential amongst contemporary political sociologists, one might well cite the traditions initiated by Karl Marx and by Max Weber. Weber has been described, by one of his commentators as ‘the best known and most important sociological theorists today.’

The most crucial way in which Weber differs from the great Marx is that Weber engages with culture; whereas Marx does not.

It is with his standing as one of the founding fathers of sociology that this essay will attempt to outline some of Weber’s most influential works and examine some of his most acclaimed theories.

Webarian Theories and Observations

“Weberian sociology is inspired by two negations ... No science (of society) can ever tell men [sic] how they should live or societies how they should be organised; and no science can ever tell humanity what its future is. The first negation distinguishes him from Durkheim, the second from Marx.” (Aron. l967: I97)

Weber rejects Marx' s 'objective' definition of class. He agrees that class is Importantly based on economic position, but sees many variations in economic position. Also, Weber himself argues “One's status in society is not necessarily related to economic position. It is the dictatorship of the officials, not the dictatorship of the proletariat, that 1s marching on.” (Weber, cited in Macrae 1974: 87) The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism (PESC)

Weber (against Marx) does not accept that people's actions can be explained in terms of economic interests alone, or that capitalism is an inevitable stage in the development of human societies. However he also stated - It is not our aim to substitute for a one-sided materialistic interpretation (i.e., Marx) an equally one-sided spiritualistic causal interpretation of culture and of history (Weber, cited in Lee & Newby, I989: 183)

According to the standard interpretation, Weber conceived of sociology as a comprehensive science of social action (Aron 1970; Coser 1977. His initial theoretical focus is on the subjective meaning that humans attach to their actions and interactions within specific social contexts. In this connection, Weber distinguishes between four major types of social action:

  1. Zweckrational
  2. Wertrational
  3. Affective action
  4. Traditional action

 

Zweckrational can be defined as action in which the means to attain a particular goal are rationally chosen. It can be roughly translated as ''technocratic thinking.'' It is often exemplified in the literature by an engineer who builds a bridge as the most efficient way to cross a river. Perhaps a more relevant example would be the modern goal of material success sought after by many young people today. Many recognize that the most efficient way to attain that success is through higher education, and so they flock to the universities in order to get a good job (Elwell I999).

Wertrational, or value-oriented, rationality, is characterized by striving for a goal which in itself may not be rational, but which is Pursued through rational means The values come from within an ethical, religious, philosophical or even holistic context--they are not rationally ''chosen.'' The traditional example in the literature is of an individual seeking salvation through following the teachings of a prophet. A more secular example is of a person who attends the university because they value the life of the mind--a value that was instilled in them by parents, previous teachers, or chance encounter (Elwell I999).

Affective action is based on the emotional state of the person rather than in the rational weighing of means and ends (Coser I977). Sentiments are powerful forces in motivating human behavior. Attending university for the community life of the fraternity, or following one's boyfriend to school would be examples.

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The final type Weber labels ''traditional action.'' This is action guided by custom or habit. people engage in this type of action often unthinkingly, because it is simply ''always done.'' Many students attend university because it is traditional for their social class and family to attend--the expectation was always there, it was never questioned (Elwell I999).

The Protestant Work Ethic

No essay on Weber would be complete without reference to one of his most notable works ‘The Protestant Ethic’

"A man does not 'by nature' wish to earn more and more money, but simply to live as ...

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