The Theory of Rationalization of Max Weber as a Methodology for Understanding Modern Sociocultural Processes

Occupation: Prof. of the Department of Sociology and Mass Communication
Affiliation: Moscow State University of International Relations, MFA of Russia
Address: Russian Federation, Moscow

Journal name

Sotsiologicheskie issledovaniya

Edition

Issue 6

Pages

3-15

Abstract

The article analyzes the theory of rationalization in the historical sociology of M. Weber and demonstrates its heuristic capabilities for understanding the sociocultural problems of digital society. It is shown that the multiplicity of rationalization types identified by Weber forms the research program of historical sociology based on their comparative study. It is substantiated that the most important factor in the formation of capitalism as a historically unique economic and sociocultural order in the West was substantive rationalization, similar to which not one of the civilizations of the East knew. The concepts of substantive and formal rationalization are analyzed, it is substantiated that under the universality of Western-type capitalism Weber understood the spread of formal rationality in modern societies.

There are shown the heuristic possibilities of the concept of formal rationality for the analysis of sociocultural processes in the contexts of digitalization and for revealing its contradictions and irrational consequences. An assumption has been put forward about the contradiction between the formal rationalization of digital algorithms and the growing irrationalization of everyday human practices. It is shown that the main development problem in the modern world is the lack of substantive rationalization trends, without which humanity cannot reach a qualitatively new level of development. It has been suggested that the justification of the need for ideological and spiritual breakthroughs for the development of society has become the most important result of Weber's rationalization theory.

Keywords

M. Weber’s legacy, historical sociology, rationalization, substantive rationality, formal rationality, irrationality, digitalization, digital society, social networks, network communities

Received

21.04.2020

Publication date

25.06.2020

Number of characters

39875

Cite

GOST	Zarubina N. The Theory of Rationalization of Max Weber as a Methodology for Understanding Modern Sociocultural Processes // Sotsiologicheskie issledovaniya – 2020. – Issue 6 C. 3-15 [Electronic resource]. URL: http://ras.jes.su/socis/s013216250009355-3-1-en (circulation date: 20.04.2024). DOI: 10.31857/S013216250009355-3
MLA	Zarubina, Natalia "The Theory of Rationalization of Max Weber as a Methodology for Understanding Modern Sociocultural Processes." Sotsiologicheskie issledovaniya 6 (2020):3-15. DOI: 10.31857/S013216250009355-3
APA	Zarubina N. (2020). The Theory of Rationalization of Max Weber as a Methodology for Understanding Modern Sociocultural Processes. Sotsiologicheskie issledovaniya (6), pp.3-15 DOI: 10.31857/S013216250009355-3

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