Full Answer Section

Weber was concerned with how power is justified and accepted, not simply how one entity exerts control over another.

Applying Weber’s Concepts (and Correcting the Misapplication):

• Defining Domination (Correct Application):
  • Weber would analyze South Carolina’s “dominance” (in a specific context, like political influence or a sports rivalry) by examining the basis of that dominance. Is it based on:
    • Traditional factors? (e.g., historical political power)
    • Charismatic factors? (e.g. a popular political figure)
    • Legal-rational factors? (e.g. specific laws or policies that give the state power)
  • It is important to remember that dominance can be applied to many different aspects of society. Sports, politics, and culture are a few examples.
• Judging South Carolina’s Dominance (Correct Application):
  • Weber would focus on how South Carolina’s authority is perceived and accepted. Do people believe the state has the right to exert influence?
  • For example, in a sports context, is the dominance based on the perceived skill and organization of the team (legal-rational), or the cult of personality around a star player (charismatic)?
• Reacting to Being Dominated (Correct Application):
  • Weber would analyze how individuals or groups respond to South Carolina’s influence based on the type of domination.
    • If the domination is seen as legitimate, there will be acceptance or even compliance.
    • If it is seen as illegitimate, there might be resistance, rebellion, or attempts to challenge the authority.
  • If a group of people feel that the dominance is unfair, and not based on legal rational principals, they may protest, or attempt to change the laws.

Why the Original Statement Was a Misapplication:

The original statement seemed to conflate “dominance” with a simple power dynamic, rather than the more nuanced concept of legitimate authority that Weber explored. Weber’s work is about how and why people obey, not just who is “winning.