Max Weber: Rationalization Flashcards
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Questions and Answers

Who is Max Weber?

Born in Germany, PhD in political economy, rationalization of Western society.

What are Max Weber's contributions to sociology?

Understanding of rationalization in society, more developed understanding of class differences and struggles, understanding objectivity in social sciences.

What is the difference between Marx and Weber on theory?

  • Weber seeks valid historical truths by gathering historical facts. (correct)
  • Weber dismisses historical context.
  • Marx believes social theory should change society. (correct)
  • Both focus only on economic factors.

    • How do Marx and Weber differ on the class system?

    <p>Weber believes political, religious, and legal factors matter too.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is rationalization?

    <p>The process by which nature, society, and individual action are increasingly mastered by planning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the process of rationalization encompass in Weber's work?

    <p>It encompasses all spheres: legal, economic, political, and religious.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the economic sphere in Weber's rationalization?

    <p>Use of technical rules to produce and manage profits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the political sphere entail in the context of Weber's work?

    <p>Changes in leadership and application of universal law.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are legal precedents and practices in Weber's view?

    <p>Precedent and universal practices utilized.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is rationality as described by Weber?

    <p>The ability of social action to be subjected to calculation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Non-economic factors shape capitalism, according to Weber.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match Weber's Bureaucracy Structure components:

    <p>Division of Labor = Complex work broken into simple jobs Hierarchy of Authority = Different ranks of command for organizational goal accomplishment Framework of Rules = Effort coordinated by rules Impersonality = What they know, not who they know Formal Section = Selected on basis of training, qualifications, education</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is McDonaldization?

    <p>Culture adopts characteristics of the food industry, emphasizing efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is class defined by Weber?

    <p>Number of people having in common life chances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does status refer to in Weber's analysis?

    <p>Consumption, lifestyle, and habits of taste.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by 'party' in Weber's terms?

    <p>Pertains to any association of people that attempt to influence social action.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concepts are associated with the Neo-Weberian perspective?

    <p>Field</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is 'habitus'?

    <p>One's own perception of the world.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the concept of 'field' in sociology?

    <p>Where someone is in a social class structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'cultural capital' refer to?

    <p>Knowledge in various fields.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is economic capital?

    <p>$$$$</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is social capital?

    <p>Who you know- connections to people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is symbolic capital?

    <p>Prestige/power over people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Max Weber

    • German sociologist known for his work on rationalization
    • Earned a Ph.D. in political economy

    Contributions to Sociology

    • Developed understanding of rationalization's role in society
    • Advanced theories on class differences and social struggles
    • Emphasized the need for objectivity in social sciences

    Marx vs Weber on Theory

    • Marx believed social theory should be transformative and change society
    • Weber aimed to discover valid historical truths through empirical data

    Marx vs Weber on Class System

    • Marx's class division focused on the economy and property: bourgeoisie vs. proletariat
    • Weber thought a multitude of factors influence society, including politics and religion

    Rationalization

    • Defined as the increasing mastery of nature, society, and individual actions through planning

    Process of Rationalization

    • Key theme in Weber's work; affects all areas: legal, economic, political, and religious spheres

    Economic Sphere

    • Characterized by the use of technical rules to enhance production and profit management

    Political Sphere

    • Involves changes in leadership and application of universal laws
    • Focus on precedent and universal practices governing legal norms

    Rationality

    • Refers to the capability of social actions to be subjected to calculation

    Contrary to Marx

    • Emphasized that non-economic factors significantly shape capitalism

    Weber's Bureaucracy Structure

    • Key elements include division of labor, hierarchy of authority, framework of rules, impersonality, and formal selection

    Division of Labor

    • Complex tasks are simplified into specific, manageable jobs

    Hierarchy of Authority

    • Establishes different ranks that enhance organizational effectiveness

    Framework of Rules

    • Order and coordination of efforts guided by established rules

    Impersonality

    • Focus on professional competency over personal relationships

    Formal Selection

    • Individuals are chosen for roles based on qualifications and training

    McDonaldization

    • Describes how culture adopts characteristics from the fast-food industry, highlighting efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control

    Class

    • Group of people sharing similar life chances within societal structures

    Status

    • Relates to individuals' consumption patterns, lifestyle choices, and taste preferences

    Party

    • Any association of individuals aiming to influence social actions

    Neo-Weberian Concepts (Bourdieu)

    • Concepts include:
      • Habitus: Personal perception of the world
      • Field: Position within the social class structure
      • Cultural Capital: Knowledge and skills in various fields
      • Economic Capital: Financial resources
      • Social Capital: Network of relationships
      • Symbolic Capital: Prestige and influence in society

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    Description

    Explore key concepts related to Max Weber's theories on rationalization and sociology through these flashcards. Learn about his contributions, the differences between Marx and Weber's approaches to social theory, and the impact of rationalization on Western society.

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