M. Weber: Methodology, Social Action, Power and Authority, Bureaucracy, ProtestantEthics and Spirit of Capitalism.

Max Weber Sociology Notes for Tripura TET PGT Sociology Exam

Max Weber (1864–1920) was a German sociologist, economist, and philosopher. He is regarded as one of the founders of modern sociology. His contributions include methodology, theory of social action, analysis of power and authority, bureaucracy, and the role of Protestant ethics in the rise of capitalism.

1. Methodology

• Weber emphasized Verstehen (interpretive understanding) in sociology.
• Use of Ideal Types as analytical tools to study society.
• Value-neutral sociology: separation of facts and values.

2. Social Action

• Sociology is the study of meaningful social action.
• Types of social action:
  1. Instrumentally Rational (Zweckrational)
  2. Value Rational (Wertrational)
  3. Affective (emotional)
  4. Traditional (habitual)

3. Power and Authority

• Power = the ability to impose one’s will despite resistance.
• Authority = legitimate power, accepted by people.
• Types of Authority:
  1. Traditional Authority
  2. Charismatic Authority
  3. Rational-Legal Authority

4. Bureaucracy

• Weber described bureaucracy as the most rational form of organization.
• Features: hierarchy, rules, impersonality, merit-based recruitment, specialization.
• Criticism: too rigid, may cause “iron cage” of rationality.

5. Protestant Ethic and Spirit of Capitalism

• Weber argued that Protestant values (hard work, discipline, frugality) encouraged capitalist development.
• Calvinist belief in “calling” and predestination fostered work ethic.
• Capitalism, according to Weber, was influenced by religion, not only economics.

50 Short Questions with Answers (Tripura TET / PGT Sociology)

1. Q: Who is considered a founding figure of modern sociology?
   A: Max Weber.
2. Q: What does Verstehen mean?
   A: Interpretive understanding of social action.
3. Q: What are Ideal Types?
   A: Analytical models used to compare real-world phenomena.
4. Q: What is value-neutral sociology?
   A: Separation of facts from values in research.
5. Q: What is Social Action according to Weber?
   A: Action with subjective meaning directed toward others.
6. Q: Name the four types of social action.
   A: Instrumentally rational, value rational, affective, traditional.
7. Q: Which type of action is based on efficiency?
   A: Instrumentally Rational Action.
8. Q: Which type of action is based on belief in values?
   A: Value Rational Action.
9. Q: Which type of action is emotional?
   A: Affective Action.
10. Q: Which type of action is habitual?
    A: Traditional Action.
11. Q: Define Power in Weber’s terms.
    A: Ability to impose will despite resistance.
12. Q: Define Authority.
    A: Legitimate power recognized by society.
13. Q: What are the three types of authority?
    A: Traditional, Charismatic, Rational-Legal.
14. Q: Give an example of Traditional Authority.
    A: Kingship, monarchy.
15. Q: Give an example of Charismatic Authority.
    A: Leaders like Gandhi or Nelson Mandela.
16. Q: Give an example of Rational-Legal Authority.
    A: Modern democratic governments.
17. Q: Who developed the concept of Bureaucracy?
    A: Max Weber.
18. Q: What is bureaucracy?
    A: Rational organization based on rules, hierarchy, and merit.
19. Q: What is the “iron cage” of rationality?
    A: Excessive bureaucracy limiting human freedom.
20. Q: Name one feature of bureaucracy.
    A: Hierarchical structure.
21. Q: What is impersonality in bureaucracy?
    A: Decisions based on rules, not personal feelings.
22. Q: What is merit-based recruitment?
    A: Selection based on qualifications, not favoritism.
23. Q: What book discusses Protestant Ethic?
    A: "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism."
24. Q: Which religion influenced capitalism according to Weber?
    A: Protestantism (especially Calvinism).
25. Q: What is the “calling” in Calvinism?
    A: Religious duty to work hard and live disciplined life.
26. Q: How does religion influence economy in Weber’s view?
    A: Religious values shape economic behavior.
27. Q: Difference between Marx and Weber?
    A: Marx emphasized economy; Weber emphasized culture and ideas.
28. Q: What is the relation between capitalism and Protestant ethic?
    A: Work ethic promoted capitalist growth.
29. Q: Define Rational-Legal Authority.
    A: Authority based on law and rules.
30. Q: Which type of authority depends on personality?
    A: Charismatic Authority.
31. Q: Which authority is based on tradition and customs?
    A: Traditional Authority.
32. Q: Which authority is most common in modern states?
    A: Rational-Legal Authority.
33. Q: What is the role of rules in bureaucracy?
    A: They provide uniformity and order.
34. Q: What is specialization in bureaucracy?
    A: Division of work into specific tasks.
35. Q: Why is bureaucracy rational?
    A: Because it is based on rules, logic, and merit.
36. Q: Which thinker linked religion and capitalism?
    A: Max Weber.
37. Q: What is Weber’s methodology based on?
    A: Verstehen and Ideal Types.
38. Q: Why is Weber called a pluralist thinker?
    A: Because he emphasized multiple causes of social change, not just economics.
39. Q: What is affective action?
    A: Action based on emotions or feelings.
40. Q: What is traditional action?
    A: Action guided by custom and habit.
41. Q: What is instrumental action?
    A: Rational calculation of means and ends.
42. Q: What is value-rational action?
    A: Action guided by values, regardless of success.
43. Q: What is meant by legitimacy?
    A: Acceptance of authority as rightful.
44. Q: What is Weber’s contribution to sociology?
    A: Theory of social action, authority, and bureaucracy.
45. Q: What is the difference between power and authority?
    A: Power is forceful control; authority is legitimate power.
46. Q: What is Weber’s view of modern society?
    A: Increasing rationalization and bureaucratization.
47. Q: What is the danger of bureaucracy?
    A: Loss of creativity and freedom (“iron cage”).
48. Q: What is the role of culture in Weber’s theory?
    A: Culture and ideas can influence economic and social systems.
49. Q: What is Weber’s view of capitalism?
    A: It is linked to Protestant work ethic and rational organization.
50. Q: What is sociology for Weber?
    A: A science of social action with interpretive understanding.
51. Q: Which exam is this topic important for?
    A: Tripura TET PGT Sociology Exam.

Conclusion

Max Weber’s contributions to sociology—methodology, social action, power and authority, bureaucracy, and Protestant ethic—are essential for understanding society. These notes and questions are especially useful for Tripura TET PGT Sociology Exam.

Prepared by Subrata Majumder for STPGT Sociology Success Blog.

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