In class this week, we discussed the three types of authority as they were constructed by Max Weber. The three types of authority are traditional, charismatic, and rational. Traditional authority deals with traditions and following customs which are encouraged through society. An example of this would be super bowl parties/football parties in general, due to our societies' firm standing that certain conditions are to be met at these gatherings. These include beer, wearing clothing representing the team, and often food/snack items. Charismatic authority comes from the persuasiveness of individuals to get people to believe in them and their cause. An example of this would be political leaders who are able to rally support for their organization and election. Rational authority is the more commonly thought about one in which laws are the focus, with the power resting in those who carry out and enforce the laws. An example of this would be police officers, who enforce laws for the greater good, such as making sure that speed limits are followed.
When thinking of examples of the authorities from my personal life, I can't help but dwell on traditional authority and how all the people in society are really the enforcers of this type. The "this is the way things have always been" authority depends on people informing others of how certain customs need to be followed. Along with my football party example, another one would be our culture's tendency to have three meals a day. People don't really question this generally held consensus, instead allowing it to be passed down and learned through families/schools. Another example of this would be the tradition of having the man pay for a date, assuming that it is a male-female date. We have been groomed to expect that if we ask a woman our on a date, she will expect us to pay and we concede. While this view is changing, many still hold it to be the proper way to approach dating in high school and beyond.
(I ended up choosing this picture as an example of a man paying for the date. I do particularly enjoy the blank expression on his face though.)
I see Traditional Authority a lot in my life as well. It makes me wonder when some of the things I see as traditional authority came to be, and when they were considered something else instead of this is how it has always been.
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