Skip to main content
Historical FiguresSociologist, Economist

Maximilian Carl Emil Weber

1864 - 1920

German sociologist who authored Protestant Ethic and Spirit of Capitalism, developed rationalization theory, and founded modern sociology through bureaucracy analysis and ideal types methodology.

Quick Facts

Born

1864

Died

1920

Profession

Sociologist, Economist

Nationality

German

Biography

Max Weber represents modern sociology founder who revolutionized social science through Protestant Ethic Spirit of Capitalism (1905), rationalization theory, bureaucracy analysis, ideal types methodology, anti-positivistic sociology establishment. Protestant Ethic thesis encompasses controversial Protestant ideas capitalism development influence, Calvin predestination understanding, economic gain rational pursuit, worldly activities favor, religious transformation social impact. Rationalization theory includes Calvinist doctrine rational roots, religious incompatibility, secular development, iron cage concept, institutional bureaucracy individual entrapment, polar night icy darkness, rule-based control, modern society analysis. Bureaucracy analysis encompasses ideal types development, historical situation reference points, society comparison-contrast, administrative systems, rational organization, institutional control, modern governance, social structure understanding. Academic career includes economics sociology government studies, twentieth-century sociology impact, symbolic interactionism foundation, individual viewpoint emphasis, society relation understanding, methodological innovation. Social theory encompasses sociology religion government, economic behavior relationship, cultural analysis, institutional study, social action understanding, interpretive sociology, meaning-oriented research, scientific methodology. Iron cage concept represents industrialization culmination, human life rationalization, individual institutional entrapment, bureaucratic control, modern condition analysis, social criticism, cultural transformation understanding. Educational influence includes university teaching, academic research, social science methodology, theoretical framework, scholarly tradition, international academic impact, sociological education. Modern relevance encompasses bureaucracy understanding, rationalization process, religious-economic relationship, social organization, institutional analysis, cultural transformation, contemporary application. International recognition includes sociology founder status, academic curriculum, social science methodology, theoretical influence, scholarly tradition creating exceptional German intellectual heritage, sociology foundation, social science advancement, international academic significance.

Historical Significance

Weber's analytic tools remain core to sociology, organizational studies and public administration

Related Historical Figures