Puru DubeyAIR 86 · CSE 2025 · 279 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening · a definition
Weber defines Authority as the ability to enforce one's will through the acceptance of the legitimacy of the will.
Weber marks a significant departure in understanding authority which had earlier been seen through the lens of coercion.
Body · points
AUTHORITY : A LEGITIMATE DOMINATION
Weber argues that in society, domination is rarely exercised through coercion. Rather 'power and authority go together'.
In Authority, subjects deem the power as legitimate and just and hence need not be coerced.
ex) Supreme court enforcing ban on BS-4 engines is an example to which people followed.
TYPOLOGY OF AUTHORITY
Weber constructs an ideal type of authority based on the different sources of legitimacy.
- Traditional Authority
In this system, people give legitimacy on the basis of sanctity of customs and traditions;
ex) In traditional joint families,
Karta used to be obeyed by other members of the family.
(2) Legal-rational authority
Authority based on the sanctity of impersonal rules and regulations which are designed to ensure efficiency.
(en) Modern day bureaucracy is a classic case where hierarchy of offices are created due to rule & constitution.
(3) Charismatic Authority
Authority based on people's belief in the charismatic personality of the leader.
Charisma need not be an
Close · a summary
objective reality but people may believe it to be so.
(ex) Dera Sachha Sauda has following because people believe in the charisma of Ram Rahim.
While the above three are ideal types, Weber reminds us that in reality all three sources of legitimacy may be present in varying degree. (ex) Donald Trump accords both legal-rational authority as President and charismatic authority as populist leader.
Thus, Authority as an ideal type remains relevant in understanding power structures and their changing legitimacy.