Understanding Social Roles, Legitimacy, and Sociological Concepts

Role Theory: Social Roles and Expectations

In society, we all play a role, much like actors in a theater. Individuals perform various roles, not just fixed ones (e.g., teacher, parent), as the context changes. Everyone understands the role they are playing at any given time. Role theory posits that we are all actors, each with a role that we interpret in every moment. Within these roles, there are norms. We all have expectations of how others should perform their roles, anticipating a certain kind of social behavior. For society to function, the roles performed must align with these expectations. When this alignment fails, conflict arises, leading to imbalance.

The Reserve Role: Unbelieved Performance

The concept of the reserve role alludes to playing a role without truly believing in it, often with ulterior motives. This phenomenon particularly occurs in coercive situations.

Legitimacy: Shared Belief and Authority

Legitimacy is a belief shared by most individuals that something, in this case an institution, is valid, correct, and rightful. Without legitimacy, there is more coercion. An example of something that may not be fully legitimized is the concept of a nation, as some recognize it while others do not. Legitimacy forms the basis of politics; for a proposal to be accepted, it must be perceived as legitimate, as if it must be there.

Social Institutions

Social institutions are defined by established practices and patterns of behavior within a society.

Normative Value

Normative value refers to our ability to judge actions as correct or incorrect, which involves the presence of moral values.

Types of Legitimacy: Max Weber's Analysis

Max Weber analyzed three primary types of legitimacy:

• Charismatic Domination

  Based on the charisma of a leader, which compels others to follow due to their exceptional qualities. Example: Jesus.

• Traditional Domination

  Based on the belief that something is legitimate because "it has always been done this way." Authority is often linked to older individuals or established customs. Example: A grandmother's authority.

• Legal-Rational Domination

  Emerging from the seventeenth century, this type of legitimacy is based on the belief that things are done correctly because it is the most efficient and rational way. It forms the basis of modern democracy. Example: A court of law.

Sociological Machiavellianism: Awareness and Consequence

To be sociologically Machiavellian largely means taking ownership and consciousness of one's actions and roles. This awareness also implies giving up innocence, recognizing that not everything is always pleasant or ideal. Sometimes, individuals may not want to perform a role (e.g., a teacher administering a police exam they don't identify with). If one is critical and aware of their actions, they can be more responsible. In this context, being Machiavellian means being consistent with decisions and assessing their possible consequences.

Producers and Products: Shaping and Being Shaped

We are both producers and products of the world. There are no products without producers, and vice versa. This dynamic allows us to intervene in the world, becoming either collaborators or saboteurs. The world influences what we do and how we perceive things, depending on our birthplace, the people we interact with, and so on. However, we can choose to deviate. We can become saboteurs, especially those with charisma who inspire new perspectives and change. Examples: Jesus, Obama. No society possesses absolute power.

How We Become Saboteurs

• Distancing
• Transformation
• Handling
• The Reserve Role: This refers to a state of submission or inferior condition (like a servant) where one appears to believe everything they are told. This can act as a system of "semi-sabotage."
• Ecstasy