Herrschaft

Herrschaft Definition

Herrschaft, literally meaning “power over man,” is a fundamental concept employed by sociologist Max Weber to denote domination or rule within a social structure. In this context, it refers not merely to the possession of authority but also encompasses the probability that commands or orders issued by an authority will actually be followed and executed by those subject to that power.

Weberian Context

Weber was deeply concerned with delineating the various forms of domination that characterised both pre-modern and modern societies. His interest stemmed from his belief that a fundamental transformation had occurred in the typical ways in which action and authority were organised between these two distinct societal forms, necessitating a comparative analysis of how power operated historically.