The Multi-Layered Communities and “Einverständnis”

Abstract

The purpose of this essay is to show an alternative perspective of Max Weber's rationalization theory. We use the concept of Einverstandnis for clarifying the question implicit in the text : how is the rational social order “valid” ? The concept of Einverstandnis hasn't been paid proper attention with consideration to rationalized modern society. But Weber said that Einverstandnis was the base of a rational society in his manuscripts of Economy and Society.We first set out to confirm the mechanism that the rational society involves Einverstandnis beyond its purpose. We then explicate the multi-layered structure of communities. It contains the fundamental social groups, that is, households, neighborhoods, and kin groups, as well as ideas, that is, race, ethnic groups, and nationality. They are all incorporated in the higher-level communities, especially political communities, and used to affirm people's feelings of identity. Thus, for example, Einverstandnis supports a rational nation-state. A rational social order is accepted as Einverstandnis by the members and it is “valid” through their interaction.So, we can grasp Weber's rationalization theory not only as a sequential development but also as the process of the invention of tradition. In the latter case, the rationalization process has made multi-layered communities which involved Einverstandnis.