A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

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Prepare for the A Level Sociology OCR Exam with comprehensive quizzes and study materials designed to enhance your understanding of the subject. Improve your knowledge and confidence as you tackle sociology themes and concepts, essential for succeeding in your exam!

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What are the three types of power identified by Weber?

Traditional power, charismatic power, rational-legal power
Administrative power, coercive power, ideological power
Public power, private power, economic power
Social power, political power, cultural power

The correct answer is: Traditional power, charismatic power, rational-legal power

Max Weber identified three distinct types of power that are crucial for understanding authority and governance within societies. Traditional power refers to authority that is rooted in long-established customs and practices, often associated with monarchies and families that have held power historically. Charismatic power is grounded in the personal appeal and extraordinary characteristics of an individual leader, who inspires loyalty and devotion from followers. Rational-legal power arises from established laws and procedures, wherein authority is derived from official positions and bureaucratic systems. These classifications emphasize the different bases from which leaders can derive their authority and the dynamics of how power operates within different social contexts. Understanding these types helps to analyze the legitimacy of authority and how different societies regulate power and governance. The other options, while they reference various aspects of power, do not accurately reflect Weber's foundational typology of authority.