Dalton Hendrix Social Theory Paper T-R 2:00

The topic I chose that interested me for this paper is the what drives someone to work. I

will be using Max Webers classical theory to discuss this topic because his theory goes in depth

in this topic. Also, we went in depth discussing this in class so I feel as if I have a full

understanding in this area of discussion. Max Weber explains that class is all those who share

similar life chances as far as their economic fate is concerned. He also defines the status of

someone is how people are ranked on the basis of honor or prestige as manifested in a shared

lifestyle ordered into status groups. Status is not solely economic rank, but a subjective bond:

shared values and customs, lifestyle, feeling of social distance from other groups (exclusivity)

(Weber slides). Therefore, making someone not able to leave their born status or their born class,

because they have the same economic fate as everyone else in their given class.

In Webers words society is a vast complex of social relationships in which individuals

pursue certain ends, either individually or in groups, to bring about a state of affairs (weber

slides). Therefore, what I believe drives people, is even though for example, we are born into a

class that is of poverty. The thing that actually drives us every day to get up and to go to work is

the thought to level up. People have the thought that maybe one day they will move up, and

change the status they hold.

They work so maybe one day they will break away from the fate bestowed upon on them

by their class that they are born into, and be able to change their status. Meaning that we get our

drive to work, to move up, or to meet a new end. If we didnt have something to look forward to

we wouldnt have a drive and our economy would not function the way it does. Weber explains

that human action is the product of seeking material and non-material objects (weber slides).

My thoughts for some deeper research in this area would be to ask successful people

what drives them to work. Do millionaires still work to get richer or do they work for a cause? I
Dalton Hendrix Social Theory Paper T-R 2:00

dont really know the answer, so some good in depth research over this area of this topic would

really help to provide a bigger picture. The reason I used weber to help explain this topic is,

because I could understand the ideas and definitions he laid out for us in his theorys. Also, the

thoughts he had over this topic I completely agreed with.