The article comes from the WeChat public account: See the ideal (ID: ikanlixiang) , original title:” idol authority has never been kind of magic “, author: Yan Fei, source:” think like a sociologist “
The word “idol” has been given a very different meaning in different eras.
Although the tastes and ideas of the general public are constantly changing, the creation of gods is always a wave of waves: from writers, rock singers, to celebrities, Internet celebrities … every year is voted for Your own spokesperson.
The generations of spiritual leaders have come and gone, but the support they have received has always been fanatical. In our impression, the charm of idols is more like a kind of magic. Their behavior is imitated, and their words are always firmly believed. As long as fans roar and shout, follow this pattern, this “you dominate, I worship” mode can run smoothly Go on.
But have you ever wondered why idols become idols? Why is idol equal to authority in a certain context? Where does the fan worship come from? This is actually a structural question about authority.
Several types of authority
To answer this question, we must first return to Weber ’s interest in political sociology.
In 1922, Weber’s “Economy and Society” was published. This book contains not only some basic categories and concepts of sociology, but also Weber’s economic sociology, legal sociology, political sociology and religion From the perspective of sociology and other aspects, Chrisma’s authority is Weber’s political sociology perspective.
When dividing the authority type and the ruling mode of political leadership, Weber proposed three types of authority, namely traditional authority, jurisprudential authority and Chrisma authority.
First, let ’s take a look at the traditional authorityCharles de Gaulle scolded the rebels for a “hateful and stupid adventure”, banned all French from carrying out the orders issued by the rebels, and demanded to maintain the “legitimacy of the French republican government granted to me by the nation”, at the end of the speech , He said: “Soldiers! You are facing a choice of loyalty. I am France, the tool of her fate. Follow me and obey my orders!”
Such a scene, such a declaration, how similar history is. People seem to be back in the darkest period of France during World War II, when General Charles de Gaulle repeatedly broadcasted a scene calling “I am General Charles de Gaulle, follow me”.
The sentence “Follow me”, as a general, Charles de Gaulle once again aroused the spirit of solidarity among the French people. After the TV speech, thousands of Parisians flocked to the streets, crowding the streets of Paris In order to express his support for the leader, Charles de Gaulle survived a political crisis.
The exit of the all-round idol
Here, it is clear that Charles de Gaulle, who relied on the legitimacy of the election to become president, had far less authority and domination than Charles de Gaulle, the general who saved the French people from aggression. Therefore, when Charles de Gaulle appeared in a crisis of domination, he once again put on the uniform of a wartime general and gained the support of the public by showing his extraordinary personal charm.
When he chose Chrisma authority to inspire the public rather than legal authority, perhaps he had long realized that in some cases, Chrisma authority represented by personal charm and honor is even better than Legal authority is more powerful.
In fact, this is true. The leader ’s personal charm and ability are extraordinary, and the support and support of the masses for him is extraordinary.
U.S. President Nixon later said: “When you put on a general uniform, Charles de Gaulle mobilized the chord of emotion deeply hidden in the hearts of the French, and inspired the spirit of solidarity between them. The spirit is only when the situation is the worst and eager to improve. “
However, although personal charm has reversed a crisis, not every time you can achieve the best political results. With the transformation of the French economic structure, people’s living standards continue to improve, and social awareness has also undergone tremendous changes. Finally in April 1969, President Charles de Gaulle chose to announce his resignation under various difficult social problems and conflicts, ending his political career.
Of course, we did not say that this is where he isPolitical failure, in fact, when he chose to leave, he still had many supporters. As a leader who has made great achievements in French history, his “torrential retreat” at that time can also be regarded as another aspect of his greatness.
Weber was the first person to isolate Crisma and analyze its social origins. It can be said that this type of authority relies heavily on the charm, prestige, and influence of “individuals”. Under a special era background, especially when the turmoil and the future are not visible, a godlike figure appears. It can appease the confusion of the nation and even act as a savior to liberate the public from fire and water.
However, once entering a stable period of political situation, when new and higher requirements are put forward for economic construction, then this type of authority may no longer be able to meet the needs of the country and the people. At this time, another type of rule most endorsed by Weber, the legal authority, began to take the stage of history.
In Weber ’s view, the legal authority is the form of rule in modern society, and the most ideal type of legal authority is the bureaucracy, which divides the work and stratification according to the functions and positions of power.
Weber believes that in the bureaucracy, people’s obedience lies only in official obedience, relying on rules and regulations to form an organization, and clearly stipulating responsibilities and authorities. Election promotion also relies on rules and regulations and acting in accordance with seniority achievements.
In such a management system, the pursuit of efficiency is paramount, and there is a rational division of labor between individuals and organizations. There is no doubt that it is more efficient and more durable, or better able to cope with the complex challenges of modern state governance.
The article comes from the WeChat public account: Look at the ideal (ID: ikanlixiang) , the original title: “the idol of authority, is never kind of magic”, author: Yan Fei, source: “think like a sociologist”