Max Weber

by Frank Parkin

This study of Weber's sociology, written by an eminent authority, is a clear and illuminating discussion of the most important elements of Weber's thinking. The book concentrates on four main elements of Weber's work: his approach to sociological method, ethical neutrality and historical explanation; his influential work on religion and capitalism; his theory of authority and political power; and his contribution to the analysis of class, status and party.

Genres: Sociology, Nonfiction

123 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1982

Reviews

[M L Delshad · Rating 3 out of 5]

اگر به دنبال شرح شسته رفته ای از جامعه شناسی وبر میگردید این کار نیازتان را مرتفع نمیکند.
پارکین فرض را بر آن گداشته که مخاطب فهم متعارفی از مفاهیم اصلی جامعه شناسی وبر دارد و تمام توان خود را برای نقادی این مفاهیم گذاشته است.

[Khan Hammaad · Rating 3 out of 5]

His view about east is quite 'Orientalistic' which comes out in his construction of ideal types for eastern religions.
Apart from 'The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism'. The sections on 'Domination and Legitimacy' and 'Class, Status, and party' are interesting.

Some familiarity with Marxism will help as his work often stands in contrast to Marx.

[Julius V · Rating 3 out of 5]

Am

[Zoë Birss · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a lay reader mostly unfamiliar with sociology as a discipline, I cannot comment on the accuracy of this book's content, nor on where it sits in the spectrum of academic writing on Weber. This is my introduction to Weber, a reader with The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism on my shelf, plus a few books on German political and economic history that I would like to read. I hoped for some context and background from this book to help inform my further reading. This I believe I did find.

Parkin's book is broad in scope, though concise, and very accessible. In fact, for an academic book, it was surprisingly fun to read. Parkin has a great sense of humour, and frequently employed sarcasm and dry wit in his descriptions and criticisms of Weber's theories. And criticisms did abound. Parker clearly appreciates Weber, but this book's content included at least as many arguments thoughtfully and clearly levelled against Weber as there was clear descriptions of Weber's original thoughts. As such, I found it gave me good tools for understanding and engaging with Weber as an intellectual and historical figure.

I recommend this book to anyone seeking a good intro to either Weber or sociology.

[ArEzO.... Es · Rating 4 out of 5]

كتاب به چهار عنصر اصلی كار وبر می پردازد:رويكرد او به روش جامعه شناسي،بی طرفی اخلاقی و تبيين تاريخي؛كار تاثير گذارش درباره دين و سرمايه داري؛نظريه اش در باب اقتدار و قدرت سياسي؛و سهم او در تحليل طبقه،منزلت و حزب.كتاب نثری بسيار روان و خوب دارد.نويسنده زاويه ديد انتقادی خود با وبر را در متن مورد نظر لحاظ كرده و البته در تبيين درست انديشه های اين متفكر بزرگ تلاشی در خور داشته است

[Titus Hjelm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant little book! Broadly sympathetic to Weber (Parkin is, after all, the author of 'Marxism and Class Theory: A Bourgeois Critique'), yet consistently critical of Weber ambiguities and contradictions. While a must for readers with basic knowledge of Weber, the book lacks a clear constructive agenda. That is, how can we then use Weber?

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the many points on which Weber seems to take issue with himself. He dismisses rather crossly an suggestion that the capitalist spirit could have arisen as a consequence of Calvinism; this is “a foolish and doctrinaire thesis”. Yet much of his work on comparative religion seems to be dedicated to establishing this very point.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read.

[Rickard · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. Some interesting questions.