Action Theories: Max Weber - social action theory

Question 1

What two approaches does Weber see as necessary for a full understanding of human behaviour?

Answer 1

• structural approaches

- action approaches

Question 2

What two levels does Weber argue that an adequate sociological explanation involves? Explain them

Answer 2

• level of cause (explaining the objective structural factors that shape people’s behaviour)
• level of meaning (understanding the subjective meanings that individuals attach to their actions)

Question 3

What are the four types of actions that Weber has classified, based on their meaning for the actor?

Answer 3

• instrumentally rational action
• value-rational action
• traditional action
• affectual action

Question 4

Give an example of an instrumentally rational action

Answer 4

• a capitalist calculating that the most efficient way of maximising profit is to pay low wages

Question 5

What does an instrumentally rational action disregard? Give an example

Answer 5

• if the goal itself is actually desirable eg. the goal could be genocide, it is about the most efficient way of reaching that goal

Question 6

Give an example of a value-rational action

Answer 6

• believer worshipping their god to get to heaven

Question 7

What is the distinct difference between instrumentally rational action and value-rational action? Show how

Answer 7

• there is no way of measuring whether the means of achieving the goal are effective
• eg. the believer has no way of knowing if the ritual will gain him salvation

Question 8

What doesn’t Weber see traditional action as rational?

Answer 8

• no conscious thought or choice has gone into it

Question 9

If there is no conscious thought or choice behind a traditional action, why does the actor do it?

Answer 9

• ‘we have always done it’

Question 10

Give an example of an affectual action

Answer 10

• weeping in grief, violence sparked by anger

Question 11

Where does Weber see affectual action as most important?

Answer 11

• religious and political movements with charismatic leaders who attract a following based on emotional appeal

Question 12

How does Schutz argue that Weber’s view of action is too individualistic and cannot explain the shared nature of meanings?

Answer 12

• Weber doesn’t explain how everyone present comes to give certain gestures the same meaning

Question 13

How is Weber’s typology of action difficult to apply?

Answer 13

• certain actions could be considered traditional action or instrumentally rational action
• eg. tribes exchanging ritual gifts

Question 14

How could Weber’s use of verstehen be questioned?

Answer 14

• can never be sure we have truly understood the other person’s motives