Question

Why does Max Weber distinguish between "power," "authority," and different types of authority? What is he trying to explain about society?

Answer 1

Power and authority is a dimension studied by many philosophers, psychologist and sociologist. According to Max Weber, power and authority are different. This difference lies in the fact that Power is an individual's capability to direct or control other people or groups while Authority is the predicted influence of a Perceived legitimacy leading to someone following the authorities or working under them. Thus, Authority is the power which people accepts to follow.

There are three types of authorities according to Weber. These are:

• Traditional authority- This authority gets accepted as it has been accepted for ages. This kinds of authority gets its power from long standing customs and is historic in nature. For example, patriarchy is a traditional authority.
• Charismatic authority- This authority gets accepted as the people gets drawn to the attractive and charismatic personal qualities of the leader. Thus, charismatic authority depends on the charisma of the leader and is dynamic in nature. For example, Mother Teresa, Napolean and Adolf Hitler were charismatic leaders.
• Legal- Rational authority- This authorities are accepted because the law asks people to do so. The power resides in the laws and the whole system and not on individual person. The authority is Bureaucratic in nature. For example, the government is a type of legal- rational authority.

Max Weber's main explanation and concept about society is that a society needs to be centered around a concept of rationalization and thus legal- rational authorities are very important. This rational society needs to be built on logic and not subjective morals and according to Weber, there is a need for capitalism.