Q. How is ‘power’ different from ‘authority’? Discuss various types of authorities as theorized by Max Weber.
UPSC Sociology 2024 Paper 1
Model Answer:
Power and authority
Max Weber theorized three main types of authority:
1. Traditional Authority:
– Based on long-standing customs, traditions, and social structures
– Power is inherited or sanctioned by custom
– Example: Monarchies where rule is passed down through generations
2. Charismatic Authority:
– Derived from an individual’s exceptional personal qualities or charisma
– Followers believe the leader has special powers or qualities
– Example: Religious leaders like the Dalai Lama or political figures like Martin Luther King Jr.
3. Legal-Rational Authority:
– Founded on established rules, laws, and procedures
– Power is given to the position, not the individual
– Example: Elected officials in democracies or CEOs in corporations
Weber noted these types often overlap and can transition. For instance, charismatic authority may evolve into traditional or legal-rational authority over time.
Conclusion: Weber’s typology provides a framework for analyzing how power is legitimized in society, offering insights into social structures and power dynamics.
