Max Weber's Theory On The Growth Of Rationalization

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While sociologists have often studied social change, Max Weber was particularly focused on understanding the progression of rationalization. Many of his works detail his analysis of the growth of rationality in the Western world, as well as the development of bureaucracies as a sign of this process. Although his argument that the modern world is marked by an increase in both does provide a valuable and multifaceted view, it does have its problems. Namely, Weber’s conceptualization of rationality fails to properly separate the different forms, which weakens his subsequent argument on the growth of rationality. In contrast, Weber is highly effective in determining the characteristics of bureaucracies, which allows for a strong discussion on increasing bureaucratization. Furthermore, Weber illustrates several ways in which these changes may affect people’s lives, including how rationalization and bureaucratization may lead to an imbalance in power distribution, promote disenchantment and dehumanization, and trap people in an ‘iron cage’ or rationality. By demonstrating concrete ways in which both these processes may alter individuals’ experiences, Weber is able to provide substantial support to abstract concepts, which further strengthens his claim. Overall, Weber does produce a …show more content…

In particular, Weber’s own description of substantive rationality acknowledges its ambiguity in that the actual values involved in the decision-marking process do not matter as long as actions are goal-oriented and “apply certain criteria of the ultimate ends” (1922/1978, p. 85-6). In contrast, formal rationality focuses on a means-end rational calculation by referring to “universally applied rules, laws, or regulations” (Karlberg, 1980, p. 1158) generally based on objective or quantitative

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