Max Weber

Question 1

social interaction and institutions become increasingly governed by
methodical procedures and calculable rules.

Answer 1

Rationalization: Weber

Question 2

refers to his emphasis on the role of ideas, beliefs, and values in
shaping social structures and historical developments

Answer 2

Idealism: Weber

Question 3

refers to an organized system of administration characterized by
hierarchical authority, a clear division of labor, formal rules, and impersonal
relationships.

Answer 3

Bureaucracy: Weber

Question 4

-Weber argued that certain Protestant
denominations, especially Calvinism,
played a key role in shaping the “spirit of capitalism.”
-Spirit of capitalism: discipline, hard
work, and frugality.
-In contrast to Marx, who argued that
material conditions drive history.

Answer 4

The Spirit of Capitalism
Weber’s Main Argument:

Question 5

discipline, hard
work, and frugality.

Answer 5

Spirit of capitalism

Question 6

Protestants viewed work as a divine calling, making everyday labor a sacred duty.
-Encouraged individuals to pursue their occupations with moral purpose,
elevating the importance of work.

Answer 6

The Spirit of Capitalism
1. The Concept of a “Calling

Question 7

Protestant asceticism promoted a lifestyle of self-denial and reinvestment of wealth, discouraging luxury and indulgence.
-This led to disciplined financial behavior, fostering conditions for capital accumulation

Answer 7

The Spirit of Capitalism
2. Asceticism and Economic Behavior

Question 8

Calvinists believed in
predestination, creating anxiety about salvation.
-Hard work and success in one’s calling were seen as signs of being among the elect, driving individuals to labor diligently and methodically.

Answer 8

The Spirit of Capitalism
3. Predestination and Hard Work:

Question 9

-Religious roots faded yet capitalism became a system driven by relentless work and wealth accumulation.
-Traps individuals in a cycle of labor without deeper spiritual meaning – Weber’s “iron cage” metaphor.

Answer 9

The Spirit of Capitalism
4. The “Iron Cage” of Modern Capitalism:

Question 10

Weber aims to describe the components of
rationalized bureaucratic institutions.
1. Hierarchy of Authority
2. Specialization
3. Meritocracy and Credentials
4. Explicit Standardized Rules
5. Impersonality
6. Demand full working capacity

Answer 10

Bureaucracy

Question 11

• Efficiency
• Predictability
• Accountability

Answer 11

Pros of Bureaucracy

Question 12

• Inflexible
• Dehumanization
• Institutional inertia

Answer 12

Cons of Bureaucracy

Question 13

individual’s relationship
to the means of production.
-Influenced by one’s economic
interests, property ownership, or
lack thereof.

Answer 13

Class, Status, and Party
1. Class:

Question 14

Status groups are social
communities that share a common lifestyle, based on a
social evaluation of honor.
-Rely upon social closure or restricting access to their
group to preserve privilege and prestige.
-Being granted respect and recognition by others.
-Honor can come from lineage, lifestyle, or association with
institutions.

Answer 14

Class, Status, and Party
2. Status Group (Stände):

Question 15

organizations that exist in the realm of power,
aiming to influence collective decisions and actions.
* Parties primarily operate in the political sphere and are
focused on attaining social power to influence collective
action.

Answer 15

Class, Status, and Party
3. Party:

Question 16

The probability that
specific commands will be
obeyed by a group of
people.

Answer 16

What is authority (domination)

Question 17

-Derives its legitimacy from age-old customs and
traditions.
-The belief in the sanctity of traditions.
-Authority is inherited or passed down through generations,
often linked to family ties, customs, or religious beliefs.
-Decision-making is often personal allowing for leader
discretion.

Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud

Answer 17

(Ideal) Types of
Legitimate Authority
1. Traditional Authority

Question 18

-Founded on the extraordinary qualities
of an individual.
-Is often revolutionary challenging
established systems or bringing about
new ways of thinking.

Answer 18

(Ideal) Types of Legitimate Authority
2. Charismatic Authority

Question 19

-Based on the belief in the
legality of established rules and
the authority of those appointed
to enforce these rules.
-Obedience is owed to the
impersonal order
represented by the law.
-Buttressed by Bureaucracies.

Answer 19

(Ideal) Types of Legitimate Authority
Legal (rational) Authority

Question 20

Durkheim defines social facts as ______.
a. social phenomena that are universally valid
b. rituals that create social solidarity in a community
c. the scientific knowledge base for economic planning
d. conditions outside of individuals shaping their actions
e. predestination of certain groups

Answer 20

d. conditions outside of individuals shaping their actions

Question 21

According to Weber, what motivates individuals to pursue worldly success?
a. they want to donate their money to religious charities.
b. they aspire to advance to the capitalist class.
c. they are showing they are committed to Calvinism, not Catholicism.
d. they want to follow their calling to know if they are saved.
e. interdependence between a variety of actors and institutions.

Answer 21

d. they want to follow their calling to know if they are saved.