The Theory of Social and Economic Organization

by Max Weber

In this work originally published in German in 1920, Weber discusses the analytical methods of sociology and, at the same time, presents a devastating critique of prevailing sociological theory and of its universalist, determinist underpinnings. None of Weber’s other writings offers the reader such a grasp of his theories; none displays so clearly his erudition, the scope of his interests, and his analytical powers.

Genres: Sociology, Economics, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Politics, History, Classics

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1947

About the author

(Arabic: ماكس فيبر)

Maximilian Carl Emil Weber was a German lawyer, politician, historian, sociologist and political economist, who profoundly influenced social theory and the remit of sociology itself. His major works dealt with the rationalization, bureaucratization and 'disenchantment' associated with the rise of capitalism. Weber was, along with his associate Georg Simmel, a central figure in the establishment of methodological antipositivism; presenting sociology as a non-empirical field which must study social action through resolutely subjective means.

Reviews

[May Ling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weber is mentioned so often in subsequent texts that it become necessary to read his work just to be in the loop. In that regard, one should read his book.



That said, the early chapters were for me better than some of the latter. The ideas he posits on traditionl vs. routine or bureaucratic organization are truly revolutionary. His descriptions of the inherent conflicts arrising from the social structure are really insightful. The manner in which he lays out the importance of funding to the organization and the various classifications by which an organization can attemp to obtain that fundingis really well conceptualized.



However, those that agree with Popper or have more modern beliefs about the manner in which economic systems are organized may find his discussion of money to be out-dated. His point of view predated the advancement seen in debt issuance innovaton and therefore misses it. (How ironically Popper-ian to miss the way that Weber does!)



Moreover, he is writing during the initial period of charismatic leaders. Such has played out. His work is still interesting, but so much has been learned that has greater pertence and specificity for those particularly interested in the politics of charismatic leaders.



That said, Webers work is a turning point within academic thought and should be read.

[Helena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanna know the basic in politics? This book is a must!

[Meli]

I read this grad school and thought "finally, political science theory that's not written by a crusty old man with an inflated sense of self."

Once you read the Western male scholarship presenting universalist, masculinist/militaristic, self-enriching theories about the human condition and economy, i.e. Kissinger, Adam Smith, Fukuyama, Hobbes, you have little patience for grandstanding. I mean c'mon, Waltz literally said that western countries should amass nuclear weapons to preserve peace and Nye delivered a theory about the "nature of power" prescribing a strategy to maintain American global hegemony. 🙄

This Weber read was especially fun since my IR critical theory professors in grad school, Dr. Melanie Kolbe and Elisabeth Prügl (check out her great work on feminist IR theory) were both German. :-)

As I read it 4 years ago, I don't have a clear enough sense of my impression at the time to give this a rating, but it stood out to me. I'm sure parts don't hold up to contemporary scrutiny (particularly his views on capitalism and where his position as a European man of 'authority' bleed through), but I do remember how Weber's contributions to sociology, subjectivity/determinism, and post-positivism were welcome.

[Jorge Llaguno Sañudo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weber its the source himself. Sometimes criticized of being too abstract or that his models were way to idealistic, nevertheless, he dissects the anatomy of power, and nails the concept of "Bureaucracy" as a new -and better- way of organize human work as is the platform needed for the planning and coordination of labour first introduced by Taylor, and justified by Chandler as the "Visible Hand". A must-read if you hope to understand modern organizations, and our actual world.

[Josh Alfred · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mediocre, bland, I didn't get much from this book that I can recall. Rather off the spot, and sketchy.

[Adrian Fanaca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big book by the huge name in sociology. In this book you will find the famous categorization of his: the three ideal types of legitimate authority (traditional, charismatic, legal-rational). It is a political sociology book about representation, parties, class, paper money, the monetary system, commerce, capital goods, aspects of the division of labour, market economies and planned economies, the concept of profit making, the market, the consequence of using money, the concept of utility, power, authority, the concept of conflict, the concept of social relationships, and the definition of sociology. It is a dry book, without many a-ha moments. I feel also few examples are used, much the less practical examples with immediate implications for a person in the 21st century. I do not remember much from the book, but definitely worth to read just for the three ideal types of legitimate authority, a groundbreaking thought in political science and sociology.

[Joe Johns · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although Weber is a first-rate intellect, his powers were directed towards flawed ends. His most significant contribution to our lives was the promotion of bureaucratic technocracy. He thought that an unelected bureaucracy with one head was the most effective at rationally planning society. In this he was woefully mistaken. Bureaucrats have every incentive to increase their own power and in the absence of market forces they lose sight of important information. By their nature they are unresponsive, inefficient, and tyrannical.
However, Weber's work is very interesting for anyone who wants to know more about sociology. His passages on the modes of authority that arise in society are particularly interesting.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un compendio de todos los conceptos básicos e interesantes (para mi gusto, al menos) de Weber: comportamiento de la sociedad, estructuras sociales. Si bien habrá ideas que quizás no se sostienen con el paso del tiempo por la complejidad añadida y evolución de la sociología, el esquema general se sostiene bastante bien. Personalmente, me sigue sorprendiendo cómo todo el trabajo de Weber, aunque mucho de la edición que leí yo era con comentarios de editores y una extensa introducción de otro autor, puede tener un vocabulario tan actual y "accesible", es decir, la capacidad de hacer su punto de manera concisa.

[Alastair Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential sociology reading.

[Jess Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it possible I'm a Weber groupie?