17. Conceptual Foundations of Weber's Theory of Domination

Foundations of Modern Social Thought (SOCY 151)

Diverging significantly from Marx's idea that history can be traced by the modes of production and the economy, Weber argues that history is characterized by different modes of authority. Leaders gain authority through domination, a combination of power and legitimacy. Weber argues that throughout history, leaders have successfully established domination (power along with legitimacy) in three modes of authority: traditional, charismatic, and legal-rational.

00:00 - Chapter 1. Review of Second Test Questions
21:43 - Chapter 2. Four Types of Social Action
35:39 - Chapter 3. Weber's Notion of Rationality
38:51 - Chapter 4. Power and Domination
42:01 - Chapter 5. What is Legitimacy?
45:06 - Chapter 6. Types of Domination and Authority

Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: http://open.yale.edu/courses

This course was recorded in Fall 2009.