Showing papers on "Ideal type published in 2003"

Discursive Study of Religion: From States of the Mind to Communication and Action

Abstract: This article addresses the predicament of the academic study of religions and directs the debate into more fruitful fields of research. After a brief account of the most important problems - identified as the "crisis of representation", the "situated observer", and the "dilemma of essentialism and relativism" - I argue that, in order to cope with these afflictions, we should scrutinize religions as systems of communication and action and not as systems of (unverifiable) belief. Not inner states of the mind or speculations about the transcendent are our issue, but the analysis of publicly communicated constructions. The term "fields of discourse" is introduced to denote both the coherence of these cultural arenas and the "recursive" involvement of scholars who are themselves actors in them. As a meta-theoretical instrument, the ideal type of "discourse" makes visible multiple perspectives on religious phenomena and - although the analysis' contingency and ethnocentricity is acknowledged - allows for the description of long-lasting traditions.

On the typology of public administration

Abstract: Administration in modern times Bureaucratic administration Classification into types is a widely used scientific method. This is also true for jurisprudence, economics and social sciences, examples being Rechtsstaat-type constitutionalism and the Rule of Law, the market economy and the planned economy, agrarian society and industrial society, etc. The scientific claims in connection with such typologies vary considerably. Basically, the intention is to arrange concrete forms in conceptional categories. In administrative science, Max Weber’s ideal-type method has great influence. Yet Weber has left so much latitude that attention could be focused both on the field of external experience that we acquire through observation, measurements and experiments and on the world of thought, ideas and ideality. 1 So to some the ideal type is an empirical term, 2 to others, a category of objective correctness. 3 Above all, in American-type public administration teaching, Weber’s bureaucracy concept has been understood as a prescriptive and rational model. 4 Then, reference is made to the pathology of bureaucracy — impersonal attitudes, formalism, mystery-mongering and so on — finally presenting models of better public administration, if not the One Best Way. As regards administrative science, however, the following has to be noted: Here, the concept of bureaucracy does not mean a prescriptive, rational model of ‘correct’ administration. Rather, the individual elements have been deduced from historical reality. However, the bureaucracy concept is not a descriptive empirical statement on organizational reality in public administration. The concept is not complete. Other organizational elements can be detected, especially informal ones. The salient point is to decipher the rationality of the system of public administration in modern times in the West on the basis of the historical illustrative material. We have to work out the set of structural and functional principles that make up the internal order of modern administration and substantiate links between the institutional steering patterns and the adminstrative environment — regulated markets, for example. True, this is not the consummation of reality nor a claim to correctness. But it reveals a potential that may serve as a point of refer

Struggling for congruency: principles and practices of anti-oppressive social work pedagogy

Abstract: The author begins by describing and problematizing the term "anti-oppressive theory and practice", the current nomenclature for a social work approach committed to social justice. After reviewing the professional, theoretical, political, and practice contexts of this practice approach she summarizes the essential content areas of anti-oppressive curricula and demonstrates the importance of the research question How do instructors strive for congruency between the content and process of education for anti-oppressive social work practice? A literature review reveals four key themes related to pedagogical congruency: modeling, deconstructing foundational knowledge claims, attending to affective and subjective learning in the exploration of identity and difference, and negotiating power and authority. The author then presents the research process used to investigate the above question, addressing the paradigmatic foundation of the research, describing the collective case study methodology, and justifying the use of the 'ideal type' as an interpretative technique. -- The findings of the research are presented in two stages. In the first, a composite picture of the six case studies, using an ideal type construct, represents the consensus evident within the data. Pedagogical principles and practices are described, and issues such as identity and difference, modeling, the uniqueness of professional education, the classroom power practices of students and instructors, and barriers to anti-oppressive pedagogy are explored. In the second stage, detailed quotes from research participants are used to illustrate the divergence found within the data, especially relating to issues of modeling, the context of anti-oppressive practice, the role of social work educators, and working with identity and difference. -- Analysis of the findings illuminates the enigmatic and evolving nature of anti-oppressive theory and practice. New pedagogical themes that extend our understanding of pedagogical congruency are presented and existing themes are critiqued. Identified directions for future enquiry include the further development of unique pedagogical practices, the exploration of student learning, transference of learning from the classroom to practice, and greater attention to the structural and institutional supports needed to promote anti-oppressive pedagogy.

Initier une innovation organisationnelle : Tactiques d'influence et processus de persuasion mis en oeuvre par les champions

Abstract: This article explores how a champion promotes an organizational innovation and sells it to the top of the organization. 41 champions were interviewed at lenght and in 22 cases, from 2 to 10 people in his organization. We draw upon network theory, sociology, impression management, transformational leadership and influence tactics theories. We have uncovered three strategies based on social capital, personality and expertise of champions. We show thr HR implications for developing this champion population and getting the most of it in the medium and long term

Den dolda utvärderingspolitiken

Abstract: The main relations between evaluation and politics are, in this article, explored and discussed in relation to three ideal types. The types differ regarding the political-administrative functions of evaluations, the epistemology, and the implications for democracy. At present, Swedish evaluation policy is partly veiled because there is no open debate concerning the relation between evaluation and politics. The analysis suggests that the dominant evaluation policy is closest to the integrated ideal type, that is, the goal is to completely adjust evaluation to political needs.

Max weber and China’s transition under the new leadership

Abstract: Some scholars have applied Max Weber’s three ideal types of authority (traditional charismatic and rational-legal) and general transition theory to China. This paper argues that the application of these Weberian concepts is faulty. Weber’s understanding of rationality is specific, a narrow reference to modern Western capitalist rationalization of action. When Weber’s account is forced upon the issues of Chinese political leadership, it simplifies the complexity of historical phenomena, and falls prey to the difficulties of universalism and dualism. Chinese political ideas and practices have developed in a distinctive cultural tradition and may not be able to be fully understood in Western terms and categories. This paper proposes an alternative tongbian interpretation of Chinese politics.

Anglican Christian social theory: an assessment of social welfare and the church of England in the twentieth century

Abstract: This study assesses the contribution of the Church of England to social thought in the twentieth century. Its theoretical, multidisciplinary perspective highlights the motivation, ideology and theology, which has driven Anglican social involvement and works towards the construction and examination of an ideal type of Anglican Christian Social Theory against its background as a state church. Anglican Christian social theory is a tradition of theologically grounded political thought relating Christian theology and English cultural life. This thesis explores the development of this tradition in the twentieth century by considering its embodiment in Episcopal leadership and its expression in an official Church report. Accordingly the thesis comprises of three distinct yet complimentary studies allowing for comparisons to be drawn between the earlier and later decades of the century. First an assessment of the thought of William Temple whose ministry spanned the first half of the twentieth century and who, as an Archbishop of Canterbury, personified the theory under scrutiny. Secondly, a study of David Jenkins, Bishop of Durham, whose outspokenness on welfare issues and questioning of the role of bishops addresses the later half of the century and allows for a comparison with Temple's episcopacy. Thirdly, to account for significant social changes in leadership and social life between the 1940s and 1980s this study adds an analysis of the ‘Faith in the City’ report to these studies of bishops. Together these three topics lead to the conclusion that it is the Church's own perception of its role in the nation underlining its belief in its obligation to interact with the state that is the defining and unchanging element of Anglican Christian Social Theory. This perception on the part of those who represent the tradition highlights theology as having a central role to play in moral political thought.

Tomorrow was yesterday

Abstract: Modern Russia is including in global informational process & become a part of united Europe. Due to this transformation, sociologists must answer the concrete questions about country development tendencies. However, sociology can not predict the future development at all. This research demonstrates classical sociological approaches, which were suggested by M. Weber and F. Tonnies and which can be certainly useful today.

Science and the Interpersonal

Abstract: The major shift in recent years in the literatures about science is from the view of science as the knowledge that an individual possesses, to the view of science as a social institution. Different social philosophies judge science as a social phenomenon differently. In particular, the social philosophy that deems society a mere collection of individuals — reductionist individualism or psychologism — will make the least of the recent shift, whereas the social philosophy that deems people mere members of society — reductionist sociologism or organicism or holism — will make the most of it. Without elaborating on this, we may note that both of these extremes play down interpersonal interaction. The various interac­tionist schools should make the most of it, but one need not be a member of any of these schools to appreciate interpersonal interaction. Indeed, Popper has stressed this as early as in 1935. How does the recognition of the presence and importance of scientific interaction alter our view of science?