Weber\'s Ideal Types Max Weber\'s

Weber's Ideal Types

Max Weber's concept of the ideal types is a 'measure' that he developed in order to aid sociologists like him study sociological phenomenon based on empirical data and evidence. The concept of the ideal type, then, is to demonstrate in general and abstract terms experiences and phenomena that are specifically and concretely identified in the social environment of the individual. In effect, the ideal types developed by Weber are his attempt to create a general and abstract concept from specific and concrete examples in real life. The ideal type acts as a "representative" from which a phenomenon or social scenario will be compared and contrasted against. Four ideal types were generated from Weber's studies: (1) the zweckrational, which employs rational means to achieve rational results; (2) wertrational, employing rational means to arrive at irrational results; (3) affektual or the employment of emotion; and (4) traditional or subsistence to custom and habit. The Gratz et. Al. Vs. Bollinger et. al. case brings into fore a critical issue that can be applied to Weber's ideal types. The University of Michigan's use of race as a "plus" indicator for applicants, and its employment of said rule on both applicants Gratz and Hamacher, is an example of a wertrational ideal type. The consideration of race as a qualifier or an ideal type itself in the University's admission rules is a rational step in order to satisfy or achieve an irrational goal. The rule does not, as the Supreme Court decision elaborated, in any way demonstrate consideration of racial diversity except for the fact that the University admits individuals who belong to underrepresented minorities. This being the case, it is irrational that such rule should be employed, and included still after annual revisions of the University's admission policies. This case serves as an example of how the wertrational ideal type is present in social phenomenon, and can provide reflections on how policies and rules are crafted, applied, and critically analyzed in real life scenarios.