Instructional Video

An Introduction to Max Weber's Politics as a Vocation

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

The basis of sociology rests in leadership, followers, and core beliefs driving a society. Max Weber's 20th century work Politics as a Vocation examines the path ahead for Germany after World War I, and posits that it is the role of society to choose from three potential types of government leaders: elected officials, monarchs, and charismatic individuals who capture the hearts of possible constituents.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • Have viewers apply the three examples of potential leaders to historical and modern political situations
  • Prompt class members to write an argument essay about which leader they would choose, and why — including examples of historical precedent
  • Connect Weber's thesis to the events that followed World War I in Germany, including Hitler's rise to power
Classroom Considerations
  • A full analysis of the video is available at the publisher's website
  • Reflects the Obama administration as an example of a modern presidency, as the resource was published in 2015
  • This video is hosted on YouTube
Pros
  • Helpful for social studies when discussing both sociology and government systems
  • Animations make the concept more understandable for learners
Cons
  • None