Question

Argue for and against on the applicability of Max Weber philosophy in this era

Answer 1

According Max Weber, it was important for sociologists to understand the subject matter of sociology in an objective manner.He studied India under his works on the ‘Sociology of Religion’. Weber understood the Indian society as orthodox and suppressed, under the barriers of the caste system. He emphasised throughout his studies the need of rational thinking, which was opposed by the caste system in India. He also believed that the religion and caste system together acted against economic development.

Main principles (characteristics):

• Specialized roles

• Recruitment based on merit (e.g., tested through open competition)

• Uniform principles of placement, promotion, and transfer in an administrative system

• Careerism with systematic salary structure

• Hierarchy, responsibility and accountability

• Subjection of official conduct to strict rules of discipline and control

• Supremacy of abstract rules

• Impersonal authority (e.g., office bearer does not bring the office with him)

• Political neutrality

SO , Finally he argue for the orthodox and against on the suppressed caste system.

For Karl Marx, the key concepts were class and conflict to understand society .