The ‘masses’ in Weber’s political sociology

Peter BAEHR

doi:10.1080/03085149000000008

The ‘masses’ in Weber’s political sociology

Peter BAEHR

Research output: Journal Publications › Journal Article (refereed)

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Every theory of political leadership supposes some notion of the behaviour and capacities of the led. Max Weber' theory of leader-democracy rested on a particular notion of the ‘masses’. Weber depicted these masses as irrational and emotional, and thus incapable of active, extensive participation in political life. The article challenges the empirical and logical bases of Weber' view.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	242-265
Number of pages	24
Journal	Economy and Society
Volume	19
Issue number	2
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/03085149000000008
Publication status	Published - May 1990
Externally published	Yes

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Bibliographical note

Versions of this article were read as seminar papers to the Department of Sociology, University of Edinburgh, and the Department of Sociology, Queen's University, Kingston (Ontario).

Cite this

BAEHR, P. (1990). The ‘masses’ in Weber’s political sociology. Economy and Society, 19(2), 242-265. https://doi.org/10.1080/03085149000000008

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Access to Document

10.1080/03085149000000008

Link to publication in Scopus