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SOCI 230 Classical Social Theory > Weber Flashcards > Flashcards

Weber Flashcards

1
Q

What is the definition of ideal types?

A

Ideal types are abstract ideas constructed to capture the most dominant features of an empirical phenomena

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2
Q

What is the purpose of an ideal type?

A

To facilitate analysis and explain empirical events

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3
Q

What can an ideal types assess?

A

Empirical events to explain or describe a concrete problem, or a range of problems

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4
Q

Why was Weber known as a Neo-Kantian?

A

Because he understood that socially aprior categories can be conceptualized as theoretical constructs to explain empirical events

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5
Q

What is the definition of rationalization?

A

It is the regularity of social action that over time becomes established in sociocultural processes at the level of groups, organizations, societies, and entire civilizations.

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6
Q

What is another way to explain rationalization?

A

It is a historical process that has different characteristics over time and place.

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7
Q

What was Weber the most interested in, in regards to rationalization?

A

He was interested in the historical conditions that affected the rationalization process

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8
Q

What are the four ideal types of authority within the rationalization process?

A

Practical Rationality, Theoretical rationality, Substantively rationality, Formal rationality

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9
Q

When do the the four ideal types of authority emerge?

A

During the rationalization process

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10
Q

Can all four types of authority exist all at one point in the rationalization process?

A

Yes however, one will typically have more influence over the rationalization process.

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11
Q

What is the definition of the practical rationality (the first of the four ideal types of authority)?

A

Practical Rationality is a way of life that views and judges worldly activity in relation to individuals’ purely pragmatic egoistic self interest.

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12
Q

What is the definition of theoretical rationality?

A

Theoretical rationality involves the conscious mastery/understanding of reality through the construction of abstract concepts.

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13
Q

What would be an example of theoretical rationality in the early stages of history?

A

People who were systematic thinkers (sorcerers and ritualistic priests) who sought abstract means of understanding and taming nature and supernatural.

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14
Q

What is an example of theoretical rationality in contemporary society?

A

Scientists who are dedicated to the theoretical rationalization of the scientific world view.

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15
Q

What is the definition of substantively rationality?

A

An action in relation to the past, present, or potential value postulates

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16
Q

What are value postulates?

A

An entire cluster of values or ultimate goals

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17
Q

What is substantive rationality considered?

A

It is considered to be a valid canon.

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18
Q

What is valid canon?

A

A unique standard against which empirical events may be selected, measured, and judged.

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19
Q

What is the relationship between history and substantive rationality?

A

Conflicting substantive rationalities will guide human behavior, which exists at any given point in history.

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20
Q

What is an example of conflicting substantive rationality?

A

Science v. profitmaking. There is an irrational relationship with one another because we extract and burn fossil fuels to accumulate wealth but from the science perspective we know it is causing climate change.

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21
Q

What is the definition of formal (legal) rationality?

A

The formal rationality is based on rational calculation resulting in formal rules to achieve to an outcome/end without regard to persons.

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22
Q

Where is the use of formal rationality the most common?

A

In modern societies

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23
Q

What is the purpose of formal rationality?

A

To create clearly described boundaries.

24
Q

What are some examples of formal rationality?

A

In profit seeking corporations, many formally rational rules are derived from cost accounting to ensure profits.

25
Q

What is the manifestation of formally rational laws and rules?

A

Modern bureaucracies, which can be understood as bundles of laws and rules.

26
Q

How does Weber describe the most stable form of social organization?

A

They are the social organizations in which the subjective attitudes (values) are directed towards the belief in the legitimacy of the social order

27
Q

When does the social organization become less stable?

A

When people no longer believe in the legitimacy of the system. EX: dictatorship

28
Q

What is the definition of power?

A

The probability that a social actors (individuals) will be able to realize their own objectives even against opposition from others whom they are in a social relationship with.

29
Q

Who exercises power?

A

Individuals

30
Q

What is the definition of authority?

A

It is the ability of individuals to command others effectively.

31
Q

Authority is an attribute of social organization but why?

A

It is because an individual’s power can be and often is derived from their position in the social structure

32
Q

Why would individuals follow a President even though they disagree with his exercise of power?

A

Because they believe in the legitimacy of the authority system

33
Q

What are the ideal types of legitimate authority?

A

Traditional Authority and Rational-Legal Authority

34
Q

What is Traditional Authority?

A

Traditional Authority is based upon the belief in the sanctity of age-old rules and customs.

35
Q

What are the two examples of traditional authority?

A

Patriarchalism and patrimonialism

36
Q

What is patriarchalism?

A

It is normally based upon a household unit and is characterized in many early societies.

37
Q

What is patrimonialism?

A

Patrimonialism is where an administrative staff exists that is subordinated by ties of personal allegiance to a master

38
Q

What is rational-legal authority?

A

Rational legal authority is based upon precise calculation to create impersonal rules and laws to achieve an outcome that becomes embodied in the social structure

39
Q

What does rational-legal authority do?

A

It establishes rules and norms to achieve an outcome regardless of individuals

40
Q

What is modern bureaucracy in relation to rational legal authority?

A

It is the “organizational prototype” of rational-legal authority.

41
Q

What are the characteristics of the ideal type of bureaucracy?

A

1.) Hierarchy
2.) the career of the official is governed by an abstract conception of duty
3.) the official obtains his position and promotion through the appointment on the basis of technical qualification
4.) the official normally holds a tenured position
5.) the official is paid on a fixed salary
6.) the occupational position of the official provides for a career involving movement up the hierarchy of authority

42
Q

Why is the bureaucratic organization more common than any other social organization?

A

Because it has the most efficient means to accomplish the task of coordinating complex social processes than any other form of social organization

43
Q

What is the definition of charismatic authority?

A

Charismatic individuals are in charge of the routinization of charisma, which requires new traditions, customs, or legal rules that need to be established.

44
Q

What is the definition of charisma?

A

It is a certain quality of an individual’s personality, which makes them be considered extraordinary and are treated as endowed with supernatural, superhuman, or at least exceptional powers and qualities.

45
Q

What does Weber write about in “The Protestant Ethic & Spirit of Capitalism”?

A

He documents the elective affinity between the rational sphere and the irrational sphere. He points out that the religious and economic spheres reflect two different dimensions of the social world.

46
Q

What is the definition of rational (formal) sphere?

A

The focus is on capitalism/economy, which is based on formal calculation of the material world (the profane) as a guide to behavior

47
Q

What is the definition of the irrational sphere?

A

The focus is on religion, which is concerned with ultimate values that are based on sacred beliefs as a guide to behavior.

48
Q

What is the irrational sphere irrational?

A

Because values cannot be calculated by math in the same way as economic material can in the rational sphere.

49
Q

What are the characteristics of “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism”?

A

1.) Devotion to the earning of wealth through legitimate economic activity (rational)
2.) Ascetic Life (irrational)

50
Q

What does ascetic life mean?

A

It means avoiding the use of income for personal enjoyment because it goes against religious belief

51
Q

How did protestantism come about?

A

It is due to the Reformation, which was initiated by Martin Luther.

52
Q

What are the characteristics of ascetic protestantism?

A

1.) It involves the acceptance of a high degree of regulation of behavior.
2.) Demands vigorous self-discipline
3.) The demands are different from Catholicism

53
Q

What are the characteristics of Calvinism?

A

1.) Living an Ascetic Life
2.) Knowing the universe is created to further the greater glory of God & only God gives life meaning.
3.) Understand the principle that the motives of God are beyond human comprehension
4.) The belief in predestination.
5.) Understanding the calling

54
Q

What does it mean to live an ascetic life?

A

It is leading an austere and self-denying life, especially for religious purposes

55
Q

What is the definition of the calling?

A

The calling is knowing that believers are placed on this earth to fulfill God’s will and it is their duty to do so.

56
Q

What was the purpose of believing in predestination?

A

It created an insecurity over salvation

SOCI 230 Classical Social Theory (13 decks)

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