iron cage

Examples of iron cage in the following topics:

• Weber's Model for Bureaucracy

  • Regarding Western societies, Weber called this increasing rationalization an "iron cage" that trapped individuals in systems based solely on efficiency, rational calculation, and control.
  • In his theory, the "iron cage" is the one set of rules and laws that we are all subjected to.
  • Describe Weber's ideal type of bureaucracy and his concept of te "iron cage"

• Classical Views on Social Change

  • As Weber did not see any alternative to bureaucracy, he believed it would ultimately lead to an iron cage: there would be no way to get out of it.
  • Because Weber could not envision other forces influencing the ultimate direction of society - the exception being temporary lapses into non-bureaucracy spurred by charismatic leaders - he saw no cure for the iron cage of rationality.
  • Weber was unable to envision a solution to his iron cage of bureaucracy dilemma.
  • Since a completely rational society was inevitable and bureaucracy was the most rational form of societal management, the iron cage, according to Weber, does not have a solution.

• Capitalism, Modernization, and Industrialization

  • As Weber did not see any alternative to bureaucracy, he believed it would ultimately lead to an iron cage : there would be no way to escape it.

• Socialism

  • As a critic of socialism, he warned that placing the economy entirely in the state's bureaucratic control would result in an "iron cage of future bondage".

• Modernization and Technology

  • Other technologies introduced during this time include the cranked reel (used to wind skeins of yarn), the blast furnace (enhanced iron production), and the rotary grindstone with treadle.
  • Key technologies developed during this period included the steam engine, new iron smelting methods, and the water frame, spinning Jenny, and spinning mule (in the textile industry).

• Innovation

  • These innovations included wood to steel cars, iron to steel rails, stove-heated to steam-heated cars, gas lighting to electric lighting, diesel-powered to electric-diesel locomotives.

• Industrial Societies: The Birth of the Machine

  • It started with the mechanization of the textile industries, the development of iron-making techniques and the increased use of refined coal.

• Ethnocentrism & Cultural Relativism

  • Many claim that ethnocentrism occurs in every society; ironically, ethnocentrism may be something that all cultures have in common.

• Bonacich's approach

  • Somewhat ironically, being connected to others that are not well connected makes one powerful, because these other actors are dependent on you -- whereas well connected actors are not.

• The Family Life Cycle

  • Known as "parenting by lying," the practice appears to be widespread and ironic, considering most parents also tell their kids not to lie.