Goal rational action

From Geography

The concept of Goal rational action is one who is described by Max Weber in his 'Theory of man' (Campbell, 1981). Max Weber conceived of sociology as a science of social action; he beliefs that social processes are a result of own choice and subjective deliberation and not as a result of reaction (spatial action versus spatial behaviour). With the Theory of man Weber tried to find a model to understand the complexity and variety of social action using an Ideal type (vs. real type): a simplified model of social activities which are used in interpreting human behaviour (Campbell, 1981).

Uing this 'ideal types', Weber states that a rational act is one which makes use of the most efficient or suitable means to a given end (Sklair, 1969). The most suitable of efficient means however can vary, and therefore Weber subcategorized four rationalities (using his ideal types), one of which is the goal rational action or 'zweckrational' (Campbell, 1981).

Goal rational action

Campbell (1981) described the goal rational action as the following: "goal rational action involves the accurate calculation and adoption of the most effective means to the chosen and cleary envisaged end, or goal, of the action in the light of the particular circumstances of his action and the estimated side-effects of the means followed in relation to other purposes which the actor may have".

In evaluating this 'goal rational action', Campbell (1981) also noted that this a very utilitarian or instrumentalist frame of mind. It is very much in line with the 'economic rationality', in which a person will try to get the highest utility at the lowest costs.

Geographical example

An example of this 'goal rational action' in geography is the construction of a bridge crossing 'de Waal' in Nijmegen to, as much as possible, improve the streams of people and cars with the goal to stimulate the local economy.

References

• Campbell, T. (1981). Seven Theories of Human Society. Clarendon Press, Oxford. Chapter 8: Max Weber: An Action Theory. pp. 169-189.
• Sklair, L. (1969). Moral Progress and Social Theory in Ethics, vol. 79, No. 3, p. 229-234.

Contributors

• page created by Lars-Olof Haverkort --LarsHaverkort 16:12, 8 September 2012 (CEST)