Max Weber: “The Types of Legitimate Domination” Dan Ryan – Fall 2010

Domination = probability command(s) will be obeyed Domination = probability command(s) will be obeyed. Subtype of power and influence. Wide variation in basis. Always a measure of “voluntary compliance” D of groups takes staff. Staff obey from custom, affect, pay, or ideals & this determines type of domination. But legitimacy also needed. D rarely relies on custom, affect, or pay alone. Everything about social organization of D seems to depend on basis of legitimacy claim.

Legitimacy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legitimacy_%28political%29

Legitimacy is a reasonable basis for classifying types of domination. Authority relationship is a broad category. Mere “power over” not same as authority. A involves command and obedience. But there are gradations in real world. People obey for different “real” reasons. What’s important is how basis for validity of authority is related to “means of its exercise.”

Even in regime with no legitimacy vis a vis subjects, authority relation between leader and staff will be classifiable. Obedience = action follows content of command without regard to actor’s own stance. Subjective process in actor not relevant here.

Effects of domination as social phenomenon extend throughout society. Ideology of “leader as servant” does not change this analysis. Three types of basis for legitimate authority: rational; traditional; charismatic. Rational = legal authority based on rules.

Traditional = based on belief in sanctity of “the way it’s always been done.” Charismatic = based on exceptional character of an individual Variations across types in person obeyed and what determines range of things covered.

Influence Power Authority