MAX WEBER BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH Weber was born in a protestant family in Germany; eldest of the seven sons.

s. His family was driven out of a Catholic Salzburg because of their protestant ethics. Father was active in politics while mother was deeply religious and into Calvinistic ideas. In school, he was shy and withdrawn but there were continuous complaints regarding his disregard for authority. He, however, opened up in University and socialized. He later joined Military and adopted a disciplined regime. His primary works included the works on religion and politics, as well as authority and power. His father died from heart attack in a heated argument wherein he defended his mother against him. Consequently, he suffered a nervous breakdown and temporary paralysis for five years. Prescribed travel; which helped him get back into his academic works. His most famous work is Protestant Ethics and Spirit of Capitalism. During World War 1, he enrolled for military service but was disappointed with German war policies and criticized them. He suggested a complete change in the German political systems for which he was almost prosecuted as well; but persisted with his works on liberal political system. Passed away in 1920. PROTESTANT ETHICS AND SPIRIT OF CAPITALISM He insisted on there being a strong relation or common purpose between Protestantism and Capitalism. Protestantism relied upon the following factors: o Calvins image of God There exists one absolute transcendent god who is the creator of all; but is also incomprehensible and beyond the reach of humans. o Pre-Destination Every persons fate is sealed; and one cannot escape the divine order through conduct on earth. Therefore, ones duty is only to do everything sincerely with devotion to god. o Third World Asceticism The concepts of moksha and salvation do not motivate hard work and other actions requisite for capitalism. Criticized Hinduism on this ground. o The Notion of Calling Each person has to fulfil his duty without any qualms. COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON RELIGION On the basis of comparative studies of various religions, Weber tried to explain why Capitalism doesnt exist in certain regions. o Confucianism in China Confucianism believes in the order of the universe, or cosmos. Intends to be in harmony with the cosmos. Behaviour to be guided by tradition, as wisdom lies in the past. Must not neglect family and kin. Therefore, the stress on harmony, tradition and family values is contrary to the spirit of capitalism, that is relentless pursuit of profit.

Judaism Jews were, apparently, chosen by God to help establish the kingdom of god on earth. Might have succeeded in doing so, but for the atrocities committed against them like the holocaust, exodus from homeland etc.; scattering them throughout the world. The economic participation is limited to money-lending, which they do very well. Hinduism Prevalent in a region that is caste based, thereby, restricting the effectiveness of free market capitalism. Promotes third world asceticism through moksha, i.e. salvation. Hence, does not provide any motivation to work hard for maximizing selfinterest. CRITICISM OF WEBER BY MILTON SINGER Karma and Dharma dictates performance of duties, or fulfilment of obligation. Caste system creates a division of labour. Hence, capitalism in India can develop within its own cultural norms.

POWER Power is the ability to influence the decision of others against their will. Power is the possibility of imposing ones will over the others behaviour. For Weber, Power is an aspect of social relationship; and creates a situation of inequality as one person may impose his will on the other. The impact of power is dependent upon: o The capacity of the person exercising it o The extent to which it is resisted by the other Types: o Power derived in a formally free market Eg. Bargaining power of a person having a cause of action as against the wrongdoer to demand out of court damages. o Power by an established system of authority Eg. Vice Chancellor Student; Hierarchy in Police, Judiciary etc.

AUTHORITY Legitimized form of power is called Authority, wherein the master has a right to command and to be obeyed. Eg. Judge in a court having authority over the conduct of counsel etc. Elements: o There must be an individual ruler or a group of rulers o There must be an individual or a group being ruled o The will to influence the conduct of the ruled

Evidence of influence in terms of obedience/compliance shown by the ruled Evidence as to the ruled has internalized and accepted that the rulers command must be obeyed According to Weber, "an Action is 'social' if the acting individual takes account of the behaviour of others." Types of Social Actions: o Zweckrational (Goal-Oriented Actions) Pursued after having considered its consequences and the means to achieve it. Eg. Entering into a contract for maximizing benefit o Wertrational (Value Oriented Actions) Pursued because it leads to a valued goal; irrespective of consequences Eg. Protesting against violation of any right, or injustice Affective Action Emotional and Spontaneous Eg. An action upon grave and sudden provocation Traditional Action Continuing what was always repetitive in history. Eg. Touching feet of the elderly

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Types of Authorities: o Traditional Flows from Traditional action To be accepted because it has always been accepted Obtained by virtue of inherited status Commands in accordance with customs It is passed on through inheritance Eg. Authority of the Kings o Charismatic Flows from Affective Action By virtue of the miraculous or supernatural power or personality of a person Not backed by any customary law Disappears with the death of a person Not passed through inheritance Eg. Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi etc. Rational-Legal Flows from Wertrational action Vested in administrative staff who are bound by certain legal rules; thereby rational Persons selected on the basis of qualifications; thereby rational Eg. IAS, IFS, IRS etc