Social theory 1

WEBER 'S SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY AND TONNIES GEMEINSCHAFT AND GESELLSCHAFT

Weber was one of the first modern thinkers who attempted to evolve a rational perspective in understanding social phenomenon . He perpetually fostered the theory of objectivity in all human action . Thus he often states that in all sciences where human action is involved it is essential that those occurrences which are without subjective meaning should be given priority (Weber , 1994 . He frequently contended that without the basic form of a thing , its physical quantity , it had literally no meaning . He emphasized that from

birth to mortality it is facts that dictated human action . Weber went to the extent of indicating that even those facts which were psycho physical or social including reactions of individuals should be understood by taking into account the data within . Thus while Weber disavowed the use of psychological methods in society , there is an implicit social psychology in Weber 's work This is evident through an in depth analysis of his works which indicate many hints of social psychology implicit in the subjective understanding of phenomenon , in the functioning of public bodies and the concept of charisma

The first indication of the same is his distinguishing understanding of observable and non observable phenomenon . While understanding of observable phenomenon is easier , he indicates that there is another type of recognition that is explanatory in nature . This comprises of actions and emotions that are displayed by individuals in society over incidents which cause rage , joy , jealousy , pride and so on , in which the motives are not rationally explainable and for which a subjective meaning for the action may have to be sought as an intended meaning . Thus for correct interpretation of an event or a fact he denotes that it is essential to understand the covert motive behind that act or event and link one to the other . The motive is the subjective part of the meaning which can be found not just in the factual display but would be in the psycho social content of the message that each is attempting to convey

The social psychological context of Weber 's views is further crystallized when he explains the functioning of public bodies . These need to be treated as individuals when they are performing normal cognitive purposes such as juristic and should have the same rights and duties . In subjective interpretation these are considered as sociological formations , the resultants of collectivities arising from constructs from other disciplines (Weber , 2005 . Thus these organizations become the epitome of social action of individual persons in collectivity and the psychological influence cannot be undermined in their actions

The final interpretation of the impact of psychology on sociology in the works of Weber is found in his concept of charisma , which he states as psychic contagion and creates a number of social processes which are understood only in terms of subjectivities in small fragments of transfer from biological interpretation . This is a minor concession that Weber attempts to make towards accepting non scientific phenomenon...