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What is Weber’s concept of the Iron Cage of Rationality? How does it relate to the intended purpose of bureaucracy vs. the ultimate outcome of bureaucracy?

User Equalium
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Weber's concept of the Iron Cage of Rationality refers to the unintended consequences of rationalization and bureaucracy. Weber believed that rationality was becoming an end in itself, rather than a means to an end. This "iron cage" of rationality constrained human behavior by creating strict rules, procedures, and regulations that people had to follow, regardless of their individual needs or desires.


He saw bureaucracy as a double-edged sword, with both positive and negative consequences. On the one hand, bureaucracy could create a more efficient and rational system of governance, but on the other hand, it could lead to the alienation and dehumanization of individuals, and the constraining of human behavior.

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