Mudabicara.com_ This time we will discuss one of the popular theories in the scientific treasures of sociology, namely Social Action Theory. This sociological theory becomes important to be reviewed when the condition of society is polarized due to the information tsunami like now.
Social Action Theory is a theory that is concerned with motives and goals. With this theoretical approach we will be able to examine the behavior of a person or group in taking action. We certainly understand that all actions have different motives and goals and this is where the starting point is important to examine this theory.
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In the treasures of sociological studies, Social Action Theory is a theory coined by a modern sociologist, Max Weber. A person who had a great influence on the development of the study of sociology. Weber’s influence is reflected in his masterpieces such as Basic Sociological Terms, The Types of Legitimate Domination, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, Objectivity in Social Science, Economy and Society, Sociology of Religion, and Methodological Essays.
Some of Weber’s writings above have had a significant impact on the development of sociology. Weber’s thinking criticizes Marx’s very materialistic thinking. For example, regarding capitalism, Weber stated that it is inappropriate for western civilization to be built from the ruins of religious values. He considered that it was religious values that became the foundation of the west in winning capitalism. Read more about this opinion in his work entitled The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism.
In addition to criticizing, Weber also focused on discussing ideas and values which then became alternatives. In addition, his writings also become a reference for other scientific treasures such as law, economics and politics.
Who is Max Weber?
Born in the city of Erfurt, Germany in a bourgeois family in 1864 to a bureaucrat named Max Weber Sr. and mother Helene Fallenstein. Little Weber whose real name is Maxilian Karl Emil Weber and has a brother named Alfred. He lived 56 years, dying in Munich in 1920.
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Weber’s interest in academia dates back to when he entered the University of Heidelberg. Due to the political situation he had to leave Heidelberg in semester 3 for military service. In 1884 he returned to Berlin to continue his studies. In addition to his studies in Berlin Weber also studied at the University of Goettingen. Skills and intellectual maturity in 1896 Weber received the title of professor of economics at the University of Heidelberg .
In general, Weber’s thinking influences the discourse on modernity and post-modernity. In addition, his works became a reference for later sociologists such as Pierre Bourdieu and Anthony Gidden.
Weber’s Sociological Theory
Social Action Theory is a theory that examines the motives and behavior of a human being. The approach to meaning is subjective so that it allows a person to be able to influence and accept the influence of others. Weber further stated that every individual action to another individual or group has a subjective meaning.
On the other hand, Weber argues that the best way to understand various groups is to appreciate the typical forms of action that characterize them. As a result, we can understand the reasons why these people act. In general, one of the goals of sociology is to understand deeply the subjective meaning of an individual’s social actions.
This theory is useful for understanding the types of behavior of individual and group actions. By understanding the behavior of each individual or group, we also appreciate and understand their reasons for doing these actions.
In the context of the motives of the perpetrators, Weber divided the theory of social action into four parts, namely traditional action, affective action, instrumental rationality action and value rationality action.
Social Action Theory
1.Traditional Actions
is an action based on habits that have been rooted in generations. This action refers to actions that are based on tradition or actions that have been done repeatedly since ancient times.
Weber assesses traditional actions as actions that do not go through rational thought. Because this action takes place spontaneously without going through thought, planning and consideration. The basis of this action is usually adat, a long-standing tradition from generation to generation. This means that this traditional action occurs repeatedly and is the same as before.
In the context of Indonesia, we can see examples of this traditional action from the phenomenon of going home. That people who migrate to big cities will carry out homecoming during Eid. This means that whatever the community does on the basis of existing customs or traditions is a form of traditional action
2. Affective Action
an action based on the emotional conditions and orientations of the actor/actor. This action refers to actions based on individual feelings. Just as before that this affective action is not through rational thinking because the emotional impulse is stronger.
We need to understand that emotional is different from rational. Emotional prioritizes spontaneous reactions to what happens while rational puts forward thinking considerations.
We can see this affective action from the phenomenon of crying during the funeral procession. This act of crying is done spontaneously and just like that. Happy when you get a gift from a parent or lover. The two actions above are examples of affective actions
3. Instrumental Rationality Act
is an action based on the achievement of goals that are rationally calculated and pursued by the actor concerned. This behavior refers to actions based on the rationality of the actor in order to achieve certain goals.
This action is also called instrumental action because this action is carried out through efforts and efforts to achieve the expected goals. The word rational contains implicit logical and instrumental meanings to achieve goals. This means that this action is based on careful planning and prior considerations.
We can see this phenomenon of rational action from the following example. Because you want to study at 10, you choose to ride a motorbike taxi instead of a go-car because you don’t want to be late because you wake up late at 9:45. Choosing a motorbike taxi is an example of instrumental rational action because the choice of a motorbike is based on clear reasons so that you are on time.
4. Actions of Value Rationality
is a rational action based on values, which is carried out for reasons and purposes that are related to the values that are believed personally without taking into account the prospects that have to do with the success or failure of the action. This action refers to actions that are based on belief in certain values.
Of course this action through rational thinking and paying attention to various kinds of values that exist. This means that individuals who act prioritize what is good, normal, reasonable and right in society. What is good can come from ethics, religion, or other forms of value sources.
We can see this value rationality act from us choosing to wear trousers instead of shorts when praying. We choose to shake hands using the right hand rather than the left hand. Both decisions are based on value considerations. If we don’t do this we are considered unnatural or even considered insulting so that there is rejection from the community.
Finally, understanding social action theory is the same as understanding society interpretively. This is where sociology can provide a causal explanation of social phenomena and this is where one of Max Weber’s intellectual contributions to the scientific treasures of sociology is here.
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By understanding the four parts of social action theory above, we will be able to analyze the symbolic meaning of one’s actions. Then we are able to interpret, identify and clarify what type of social action underlies the individual or group
Weber also stated that with the concept of subjective meaning, sociology can understand the orientation, motivation and causes of individual actions even though these motives cannot be observed. I hope that today’s young people are enthusiastic about maintaining their intellect by reading so that the knife of analysis is sharp and organized. Hopefully so!