Compare Max Weber’s and W.E.B Du Bois perspectives on modernity. In your discussion, point any similarities and differences, strengths and limitations in their ideas and conceptualizations on modernity, and develop the key concepts developed to understand the workings of modern life for each author, as you discuss the fundamental differences in their theoretical and methodological approaches more broadly
To compare and contrast Max Weber’s and W.E.B Du Bois perspectives on modernity one must completely understand the concept of modernity. Modernity is inevitable as humans grow and enhance as a society. Modernity is growth economically, technologically, and creating a market that is not government controlled. The idea of modernity challenges the classic and outdated model of traditionalism. Traditionalism does not question an individual’s societal role. A Queen or King is appointed due to traditional standards, it has nothing to do with individual performance. Modernity is an intellectual, more rational technique of processing information.
Weber’s explanation of rationalism challenges the traditional way of thinking. He is responsible for advancing societal thought through many of his works. The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism discussed an informative thought and questioned current societal norms. Rationalization is an ongoing progression in which social interaction and institutions become gradually governed by procedures and sets of rules that must be followed. In the text, “Sociological Theory in the Classical Era” the point is made clearer that rationalization replaces old traditions. Values and emotions become motivators for behavior. For example, instead of working just to work rationalization gives the civilian a reason to work, to gain economic status. To be elevated to a higher class which society creates in its own.
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The way humans process information, a more methodical, informative approach also known as reflexively. Traditional thinking had civilians creating their own procedures their own way. Modern thinking had a more specific way of completing a task that has to follow specific rules. These rules can be improved as society grows over time. Weber believed that religion was the catalyst for the societal switch from traditionalism to modernity. This belief is the belief of Protestantism.
An individual in society works nonstop to live and uphold the standards rationalization has created. Oppression and social stratification is a result of this and the society becomes depersonalized. Social stratification are the actions of civilians that are divided by wealth, status, social groups, and power in society. There are some problems with modernization, more specifically rationalization. A civilian becomes satisfied with locking into a life that has no meaning just to survive. Weber was cognizant of this idea and had some doubts about rationalization. The more specific term of this idea is the “Iron Cage.” Weber’s “Iron Cage” theory has several similarities to W.E.B. Du Bois social stratification.
Both Weber and Du Bois understood society would cultivate and transform and also understood greater social structures in society. Du Bois & Weber had very dissimilar backgrounds but shared similarities and differences. Both sociologists speak about the rise of the economic development in Europe and America. More specifically different ideas and views on international and domestic issues. Coming from such different backgrounds one can see how they can see the same topic through different lenses. Although the two sociologists come from the same sociological blueprints, many of their most prevalent ideas clashed.
Weber had stated that power status and class were huge key points to modernity. Du Bois was able to explain class, status, and power on a more complex view than Weber. Maybe this is an effect of Weber not being exposed to certain interactions that Du Bois was exposed too. Du Bois did extensive research on why the African American was at a severe disadvantage to the white counterpart. In his books The Souls of Black Folk and The Philadelphia Negro provides widespread evidence that back up his claims. . In the “Souls of Black Folk”, Du Bois was convinced that empirical data would never convince white Americans of the discrimination and prejudice. Facts would not influence the improvement of conditions for blacks. Also, in this work he focuses on three concepts: the color line, double consciousness and the veil. The veil is a second sight in the American world, a world which yields him no self-consciousness but only lets him see himself through the revelation of the other world. As an African American man Du Bios had lived in certain situations that Weber had not. Du Bois was able to identify and understand certain issues due to his persona experience. A few of these experiences are highlighted by him with certain terms like social stratification, critical race theory, and double consciousness. When Du Bois compared his time living in the south vs his time living in Europe he was able to see a significant difference on the way he was treated. This introduced one of his most famous ideas, the idea of double consciousness. Du Bois double consciousness also compares with Weber’s rationalization. Later, Du Bois develops another concept, white consciousness, or the lack of it, in which white privilege is invisible to whites. However, African Americans can see what it is to be white from their oppressed position.
Du Bois made it clear through is research that there is a distinct difference between the black proletariat and the white proletariat. Slavery, which is a form of rationalization, presented an opportunity for the white worker an opportunity to work taking away the ability of the black man to work. This caused major economic differences between the white and black class. This is something Weber was not able to understand this concept due to his geographic location. He had not experienced the same personal situations Du Bois had. Du Bois stressed the point that minorities in America were thrusted into the wage-earning labor and they were forced to perform to be successful in America. It is also important to note that early America was somewhat influenced by European tradition.
In America there was an unspoken rule about society that the white man was superior to the black man. A black slave was the last to be chosen for a job, which made it nearly impossible to be wealthy in society. This example is similar to Weber’s theory about class and power. The white poor man meant more to society he could always get a job. For example, the poor white male is appointed to be an overseer at a planation. Therefore, the poor white male has a higher status and more power in society. Weber did not think much of this while he was creating his own theories, while Du Bois believed it was essential to fully understand modernity. Weber did not count for non-European laborers in thought when he drew his conclusion about modernization.
Both were writing to different audiences, Du Bois to African Americans representing a struggling race at the time who was freshly removed from slavery. Weber was writing as a secure European man writing to an audience of fellow German colleagues. Du Bois stressed the point that minorities in America were thrusted into the wage-earning labor and they were forced to perform to be successful in America. It is also important to note that early America was somewhat influenced by European tradition.
Weber believed the biggest difference between the modern world and the traditional world was the way society and more specifically how an individual process the ideas of everyday life. He prioritized his time and ideas to the study of Rationalization Bureaucracy and Social Stratification to gain a deeper understanding of Modernization.
As Weber expressed the phases of alienation caused by the division of labor Du Bois had a very similar theory, racial segregation. Class and segregation were to topics that the two sociologists shared in common. Both sociologists both believed that status is one of the key factors of modernism. Du Bois combined status and class with race. When Du Bois compared his time living in the south vs his time living in Europe he was able to see a significant difference on the way he was treated. This introduced one of his most famous ideas, the idea of double consciousness. Du Bois double consciousness also compares with Webers rationalization. Both had to overcome so much during these times as pioneers in sociology.
