Sociological Theory: Max Weber

This unique volume gathers Weber's writings on a broad array of themes, from the nature of work, to the political culture of democracy, to the uniqueness of the West, to the character of the family and race relations, to the role of science and the fate of ethical action in the modern world. Gathers Weber's writings in a comprehensive collection, organized by topic. Rejuvenates a central, pivotal theme of Weberian thought: "How do we live?" and "How "can" we live in the industrial society?" Connects Weber's writings to contemporary issues through modern essays and editorial introductions.

Weber's Rationalism and Modern Society rediscovers Max Weber for the twenty-first century. Tony and Dagmar Waters' translation of Weber's works highlights his contributions to the social sciences and politics, credited with highlighting concepts such as "iron cage," "bureaucracy," "bureaucratization," "rationalization," "charisma," and the role of the "work ethic" in ordering modern labor markets. Outlining the relationship between community (Gemeinschaft), and market society (Gesellschaft), the issues of social stratification, power, politics, and modernity resonate just as loudly today as they did for Weber during the early twentieth century.

A detailed and richly illustrated analysis of charisma and the political and cultural conditions in which charismatic figures arise, this work of historical sociology critically engages with Max Weber's ambiguous concept of charisma to examine the charismatic careers of a number of figures, including Joan of Arc, Hitler, Nelson Mandela and Jesus. With close attention to the social and political legacy of charisma for modern capitalism, it also examines the emergence of a global class of the super-rich, a process buttressed by a belief on the part of business leaders in their own charismatic powers.

This book explores the uses and limits of Max Weber's work for thinking sociologically about capitalism today. By reading between Weber and a range of contemporary theorists, from Gilles Deleuze though to Ulrich Beck and Zygmunt Bauman, the book argues that the ongoing value of Weber's work lies in the concepts that underpin his economic and cultural sociology. These concepts can be assembled into a network of thinking devices that can be used to frame a sociological understanding of the present. Weber's method of concept formation is reconsidered before five main concepts, in turn, are developed and assessed: capitalism, market, neoliberalism, class and modernity. It is argued that while these concepts are not without limits, they can be read creatively to provide a basis for renewed analysis of the social dynamics and cultural complexities of contemporary capitalism.

Bringing together the author's major scholarly work on Weber over the last 30 years, this book addresses the major themes in Weber's thought, whilst also examining the mode of analysis practised in his comparative-historical sociology.