Weber's definition of sociology is " that Science which aims at the Verstehen of social behaviour", where Verstehen means
Weber's Definition of Sociology
Max Weber, a foundational figure in sociology, defined sociology in a specific way that emphasizes a particular approach to studying society. His famous definition states that sociology is "that science which aims at the Verstehen of social behaviour".
Understanding 'Verstehen' in Weber's Context
The key term here is 'Verstehen'. This is a German word that is crucial to understanding Weber's perspective on sociology. Let's break down what it means:
- Origin: 'Verstehen' is a German term meaning 'to understand'.
- Sociological Meaning: In Weber's sociology, 'Verstehen' goes beyond simply observing actions. It involves gaining an empathetic and deep understanding of the motives, intentions, meanings, and context behind an individual's or group's social actions. It's about grasping the subjective meaning that people attach to their behaviour.
- Goal: Weber believed that to truly study social behaviour scientifically, sociologists must try to understand it from the perspective of the actors involved. This requires interpretation and delving into the 'why' behind actions, not just the 'what'.
Analyzing the Options for 'Verstehen'
Let's look at the given options in light of Weber's concept:
- Value relevance: This refers to the selection of research topics based on the researcher's values, which is related to Weber's methodology but isn't the meaning of Verstehen itself.
- Causal explanation: While sociology seeks causal explanations, Weber's 'Verstehen' emphasizes understanding the subjective meaning first, which then aids in forming causal explanations. It's not the primary meaning of Verstehen.
- Interpretative understanding: This directly aligns with the meaning of 'Verstehen' as Weber intended – understanding the subjective meaning behind social actions.
- Ideal types: Ideal types are conceptual tools Weber used for analysis, but they are not the meaning of Verstehen.
Conclusion on Verstehen
Based on Max Weber's definition and his sociological methodology, 'Verstehen' specifically refers to the process of gaining an in-depth, subjective, and empathetic grasp of the meaning behind social behaviour. Therefore, the correct interpretation is 'interpretative understanding'.
Important Questions from Sociological Thinkers, Sociological Traditions
Ethnomethodology is concerned with -
A. The study of ordinary people's method for making sense of and creating order in everyday life.
B. When people talk or act, they are constantly engaged in interpreting what is going on around them.
C. There is an inherent relationship between talk and action.
D. The study of social phenomena by using highly structured interviews of a very large sample size.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below
Which of the following is true of Edward Said's Orientalism?
(A) It was published in 1979.
(B) Utilises the concept of discursive formulation as argued by Foucault.
(C) He has taken up the detailed analysis of imaginative geography and representation of the Orient.
(D) It is one of the foundational texts of Postcolonial theory.
(E) It puts to use Barthes' concept of 'death of the author'.
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
- The theoretical paradigm of functionalism is anchored in the idea that the maintenance of social cohesion, order and stability rests on one of the following........
- Who among the following sociologist made a lecture entitled ' soul and culture' in 1917?
He saw man as Homo duplex - as body, desire and appetite and also as socialized personality.
'He'- refers to _______________ .
