Weber used the term, Iron Cage(TM) in relation to bureaucracy. Does this mean that his view of social development is pessimistic?

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Sociological Theory, Dave Randall                                                            Word Count 2,359

Donna Binyon 06251995

3) Weber used the term, ‘Iron Cage’ in relation to bureaucracy. Does this mean that his view of social development is pessimistic?

This essay will first explain the meaning of bureaucracy, what it means today for society, bringing in ideas from Max Weber and what he understood bureaucracy meant for social development.

A little background of Max Weber will be described to perhaps understand where his views originated. These views will be explored, including Weber’s interpretations on values, rationality and authority and what this all meant for social development and individuals’ behaviour.

As Weber referred to the term ‘Iron Cage’ in relation to bureaucracy, the view that his approach toward this was much pessimistic will be discussed, providing examples and analysing how bureaucracy is applied today and whether or not this has a negative affect on different aspects of society; socially, politically and economically.

Max Weber’s studies were mainly focused on the larger group, regarding culture as an important factor as an affect on history and to the source of behaviour within society. Weber, unlike Marx who stated a materialist view with technological advances as the cause of social change, claimed that social change was more complex than this, with many causes and not just one, through general tendencies. Weber referred to these general tendencies as ideal types; the beliefs and attitudes that affect what we do, structuring our identities, this taking an interpretive viewpoint to sociology.

One of these ideal types includes the contribution Weber made to the concept of bureaucracy, which was “concerned with rational and efficient organization, comprising specific attributes for both positions and personnel…” however “…it is much more than this” Scott, J. and G. Marshall, (2005: 46).  

To help organise the complex modern society, bureaucracy is needed as it holds the belief in expertise and success earned through merit, gaining qualifications and training through hard work in order to be allocated to particular roles. Taking this view of bureaucracy into account, Weber developed ideas on rationalization, authority and democracy.

“Rationalization means the organization of social and economic life according to principles of efficiency, on the basis of technical knowledge” Giddens, A. (2006:114), rather than individuals, making decisions and living their lives based on traditional or religious beliefs, perhaps relying on other spiritual forces to help guide their judgements, they are increasingly relying upon rational, calculated and controlled decisions to act upon, which may benefit society as a result, although individually, behaviour and feelings may be more negative due to having less freedom of choice.

According to Weber, there are two main types of rationality, the first includes value rational actions; “means have no practical relationship to the end, but are simply a way of acting out, of realising, a value the actor holds” Cuff, E.C. Sharrock, W.W. and D.W. Francis, (2007:54), here, Weber suggests that an individual, for example, may carry out an act that has no practical use but more of a valuable use, a perception of how things should be, such as gaining dignity or a sense of righteousness. A common example given is that of the captain going down with his sinking ship:

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 “To someone who believes that there are more important things than practical outcomes, and that there are, indeed, more important things than human life, appears as a rational course of action, as the only one who can honourably be taken in such a situation.” Hughes, J.A. Sharrock, W.W. and P.J. Martin, (2007:105).

The second type of rationality includes a practical approach, instrumentally rational action:

 “The working out of the best, most effective means of getting towards the end that one desires. It is most prevalently exhibited in our economic affairs and our civilisation, drawing extensively and dependently upon scientific ...

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