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. (B), Marx focuses on economy and property. (C)</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 (A)</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 (A), Habitus (B), Cultural Capital (D)</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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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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