Max Weber is a German sociologist and one of the most prolific social scientists of the 20th century. His contributions led to the development of new academic disciplines during his time such as sociology and “significant reorientation in law, economics, political science, and religious studies.”¹ He devised two theses which greatly influenced proceeding discourses on modernity namely, the ‘rationalization thesis’ and the ‘Protestant ethic thesis’.

He is also the proponent of ideal types, a methodology which acts as a “measuring stick that captures the most rational and most essential components of any social thing.” ² An example of this is his four types of social action.

Social actions in reality do not purely fall under a specific type. There can be instances where one action encompasses several ideal types as it reflects the complexity and multidimensionality of our society.

Four Types of Social Action ³