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Introduction to Social Action Theory (Max Weber
and the birth of the ‘Interpretive approach)
People making history? Internet/News Research
Activity
Coffee Break
Feminist Theory: Your PP presentations: What is
Feminism?
The New Right: PP Slides and Introduction
The New Right: Video
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To understand social change we need to understand
social interaction
Critical of Marx’s view that social change is linked to
social class. Felt Marx over emphasised importance of
class.
Similarly to Marx looked at differences in power in
society.
Recognised that very charismatic individuals can change
history (Napoleon, Hitler).
Weber recognised that large powerful organisations
would overtake peoples lives ‘The iron cage of
bureaucracy; he argued would limits personal freedom
and creativity.
Similarly to Marx, Weber argued that there are powerful
elites in society that are self serving.
 Unlike Marx, Weber argued that the causes of social
change were much more varied than being just
economic (Marx –Social Class conflict)
 In his famous work ‘ The Protestant Ethic and The
Spirit of Capitalism’.
 Weber studied the Calvinist religion and noted that
their values of hard work, thrift and the idea that you
go to heaven if you work hard led to the birth of
Capitalism in the west.
 Unlike Marx who argued that?....................................
 Marx : Economic Centre determines what happens in
the Superstructure
ECONOMIC
CENTRE
SUPERSTRUCTURE
Superstructure
Economic
Infrastructure
Using the ‘Weberian’ approach, search the internet
and look at news websites for articles and features
that you feel are examples of this.
2. Print out or save the page you find into your
favourites menu.
3. Discuss the articles you have found with your
teacher. Explain why you feel they fit into Webers
view of the world?
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Try: The Guardian, BBC News, The Independent,
Reuters.
 Using your text book or the internet, you will find out
the following and prepare a powerpoint presentation
to show your teacher.
1. What is Feminism?
2. What period of time did Feminism become
influential?
3. Name the three main strands of ‘schools of
Feminism? Explain how they see things differently.
4. Are Feminists Structural or Interpretive Sociologists?
5. Conflict...or Consensus?
6. How is Feminism different to Marx, Durkheim and
Webers view of society?
7. What criticisms can you make of Feminism?
 John Pilger on NeoLiberalism
 Political movement and economic/social theory of
society.
 -Roots in Classical Economic Liberalism ‘Adam Smith
(1723 -1790). Idea of Free markets, little or no state
intervention in the economy. Freedom to buy/sell.
 Re invented in 1979: Margaret Thatcher /Ronald
Reagen. Both Influenced by writers such as Hayek and
Friedman.
 Policies and radical changes made in the 1980’s to
create a ‘free economy’ and society based on
meritocracy and individualism.*
 Rejection of former approach in politics of welfare
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state, provision and poverty relief.
Social assistance to be provided outside of the state:
individuals, charity. Welfare limited or removed.
Idea of ‘trickle down’ Free Markets will enrich
everyone eventually. Money will trickle down to
poorest.
Since 1979’ this approach has spread globally.
Globalisation- Free Capitalism .
Creation of: IMF, EU, World Bank, UN all support and
endorse free economic policies