2024 Paper 1

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

Power is the capacity to influence others’ behavior, even against their will, through various means such as force or persuasion. Authority, however, is legitimized power that is accepted as rightful by those subject to it, involving voluntary compliance based on perceived legitimacy. While power can exist without authority, effective authority often requires some form of power to enforce decisions. 

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.

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