Max Weber

Question 1

Social action (3)

Answer 1

A) Object of Sociology

B) Definition:
Action: behaviour with subj. meaning
Social: oriented towards others

C) Interpretation:
Identification if the meaning and motives of a given social action

Question 2

Types of action (4)

Answer 2

1. Affective:
   Guided by emotions
2. Traditional:
   Guided by customs
3. Instrumentally rational:
   Action as means for an end
4. Value-rational:
   Action as end in itself

Question 3

Ideal types (4)

Answer 3

A) Not a hypothesis, but helps formulate a hypothesis

B) Not a description, but a means of description

C) Unified analytical construct

D) Not real, but offers a way to approximate reality

Question 4

Types of legitimate domination (3)

Answer 4

1. Rational-legal domination
   Based on belief in law
   Bureaucratic
2. Traditional domination
   Based on belief in tradition
3. Charismatic domination
   Based on devotion to a charismatic leader & time of social change
   Unstable -> need to switch to another type
   Means of social transformation

Conclusion:
Power is legitimate if the people believe in its legitimacy

Question 5

Individualism (2)

Answer 5

A) Understanding of social action:
Follow the reasoning of the individual actors involved

B) Methodological individualism:
Social phenomena are often consequences of individual actions

Question 6

Bureaucracy (5)

Answer 6

1. Organization bound by objective, written rules
2. Division of labour
3. Clear hierarchy with formal procedures (e.g. complaints)
4. Position appointment based on qualifications
5. Threat of removal from position

Question 7

Charisma

Answer 7

Product of collective enthusiasm
i.e. belief of the followers that their leader is special

Question 8

Value neutrality (4)

Answer 8

1. Separation between values and facts
2. Science cannot solve value problems
3. Science is still influenced by values
   E.g. what to study
4. Is a value

Question 9

Rationalization (4)

Answer 9

1. Rational religious theories set in motion a process of rationalization
2. Rationality of religion is questioned
3. Rationality of all values seems groundless
4. Result:
   Value pluralism
   Disenchantment
   Process of social differentiation

Question 10

Capitalism (2)

Answer 10

1. Characterized by instrumental rationalization (profit oriented)
2. Requirement: Change in work ethic
   ->Protestant work ethic

Question 11

The protestant ethic (4)

Answer 11

1. Calling:
   My position is a result of god’s will, it is my duty to work as hard as I can
2. Predestination:
   Salvation for the successful bc it is a sign of self-control
3. Habitual, methodical, systematic, disciplined, rational, ordered daily life
   -> work and save
4. Part of the process of rationalization