Weber: Social action theory

Question 1

Outline social action theory

Answer 1

• As humans have freewill, Weber believed that understanding why people do things is the basic block of sociology
• He believed we should try to gain an empathetic understanding of individuals (Verstehen). Weber accepts that structures exist but it’s the understanding of how our actions respond to structures that is necessary.
• He saw both structural and action approaches as needed to understand human behaviour

Question 2

What is verstehen?

Answer 2

Gaining an empathic understanding of human behaviour, by ‘walking in their shoes’

Question 3

What are the 2 levels involved in his explanation? (structural and action approaches)

Answer 3

• Level of cause (structural factors that shape people’s behaviour
• Level of meaning (meaning an individual attaches to their action)

Question 4

Describe the ‘Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism’ case study

Answer 4

• A Protestant Reformation (level of cause) introduced a new set of beliefs (Calvinism) which changed their behaviour. e.g. Calvinism promoted a work ethic for God, that unintentionally brought about the rise of capitalism.
• Work took on a religious meaning for Calvinists, and worked in the name of God (level of meaning). Calvinists accumulated wealth, investing in their business and making more. This gave them the spirit of modern capitalism.
• Shows how social change can occur due to individual interpretation

Question 5

What are the 4 types of action, that are based on their meanings for the actor?

Answer 5

• Instrumentally ration action
• Value-rational action
• Traditional action
• Affectual action

Question 6

Describe instrumentally ration action

Answer 6

• The actor calculates the most efficient means of achieving a goal. e.g. a capitalist may calculate the best way to maximize profit is to pay low wages
• This action isn’t about if the goal is desirable, rational action is simply the most efficient way of reaching that goal.

Question 7

Describe value-rational action

Answer 7

• Involves action toward a goal that the actor sees as desirable for themselves e.g. a believer worshipping their God to get to heaven.
• There’s no way of calculating if the means of achieving the goal are effective e.g. believer can’t know if performing a ritual will gain them salvation

Question 8

Describe traditional action

Answer 8

• Customary or habitual actions.
• Weber doesn’t see this type of action as rational as no conscious thought has gone into it. Rather, it’s done as they’ve ‘always done it’

Question 9

Describe affectual action

Answer 9

• Action expressing emotions. e.g. weeping out of grief.
• Weber sees this action as important in religion and political movements with charismatic leaders who attract a following based on emotional appeal

Question 10

Give evaluation of Weber (types of action)

Answer 10

• Weber’s types of action is difficult to apply. e.g. among Trobriand Islanders, individuals exchange ritual gifts with neighbouring islands. Could be seen as traditional action (it’s been practised for generations) or instrumentally rational action (good way of cementing trading links)
• Therefore his action categories are too specific and there might be a crossover in types of action, so he needs to further investigate individuals to fully understand action

Question 11

Give evaluation of Weber (too individualistic)

Answer 11

• Schutz argues Weber’s view on action is too individualistic and can’t explain the shared nature of meanings.
• For example, when a person at an auction raises their arm, they mean they’re making a bid. Weber doesn’t explain how everyone else present come to give this gesture the same meaning
• Symbolic interaction does explain this, it’s where socialisation gives meanings to situations or symbols. We then interact based on these meanings, creating shared knowledge of meanings.