Max Weber and the Path from Political Economy to Economic Sociology

This book explores Max Weber's transition from political economy to economic sociology, highlighting his recognition of the reciprocal influences between economics and society and the need for a new discipline to study the relationship between economic factors and social issues.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the significant transformation in Max Weber's intellectual trajectory, from his early focus on political economy to his later embrace of economic sociology. By examining the significance of Weber's recognition, gained during his study of the Protestant Ethic, of the reciprocal influences between economics and society and the impact of this realization on his reevaluation of political economy, the author sheds new light on his evolving belief that the study of the interplay between economic factors and social issues necessitated the establishment of a distinct discipline. A profound exploration of a pivotal shift in the thought of one of the founding figures of sociology, this volume holds great appeal to scholars of social theory who are interested in the historical development of the field and the enduring legacy of Max Weber.

The shift from political economy to economic sociology in Max Weber's work is a topic that has received relatively little attention in the scholarly literature. This book aims to rectify this oversight by examining the profound transformation that Weber underwent in his intellectual journey.

Weber's recognition of the reciprocal influences between economics and society played a crucial role in his reevaluation of political economy. He began to see the study of economic factors as inseparable from the study of social issues, and he recognized the need for a new discipline that could adequately address these complex interrelationships.

This book explores the various factors that led Weber to this realization, including his study of the Protestant Ethic and his observations of the social and economic changes that were taking place in Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It also examines the implications of this shift for the study of sociology, including the development of new theories and methodologies that were better equipped to address the complex social and economic challenges of the modern world.

One of the key insights of this book is that Weber's transition from political economy to economic sociology was not a straightforward one. He struggled with the challenges of integrating economic analysis with sociological worldviews, and he faced opposition from some of his colleagues who were skeptical of the new discipline's potential. However, Weber's persistence and his commitment to social science led him to develop a unique and influential approach to the study of society that has had a lasting impact on the field.

This book will appeal to scholars of social theory with interests in the history of the field and the legacy of Max Weber. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of Weber's intellectual development, and it sheds new light on the ways in which his work continues to shape our understanding of the relationship between economics and society.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367620097