Weber
Sociology: AQA GCSE, topic 5.3.1
Weber on Power
In society, different groups exercise power and authority. Power may come from government in the form of laws, customs and traditions. Different sociological perspectives view power and authority in varying ways.
Power
- Max Weber argued that an individual or group exercises power when they get what they want, despite any opposition.
- Power is based on either coercion or authority.
Coercion
- Coercion refers to the threat or use of force (including physical violence).
- People obey an individual or group because they have no choice – they are forced to obey against their will.
Authority
- Authority is exercised over people when they willingly agree to obey an individual or group because they see it as the right thing to do.
- Force is unnecessary because people consent to power being exercised over them.
Weber on Authority
Weber identified three types of authority: traditional, rational legal and charismatic.
Types of authority
- Weber identified three types of authority:
- Traditional.
- Rational legal.
- Charismatic.
Power
- In these three types of authority, people consider the exercise of power as legitimate, such as the power a teacher has over pupils in a classroom.
Traditional authority
- Traditional authority is based on custom and tradition.
- In the UK this includes the authority of the monarchy.
Rational legal authority
- Rational legal authority operates within a bureaucracy.
- A bureaucracy is an organisation with a hierarchy and a clear set of rules.
Charismatic authority
- With charismatic authority, people obey a leader whom they believe has extraordinary personal qualities that inspire them.
Test yourself on Weber
When is the use of force unnecessary?
What type of authority does a monarch have?
What type of authority operates within a bureaucracy?