Rationalization is the action of attempting to explain or justify behavior or an attitude with logical reasons, even if these are not appropriate. It is a process of change by which a society goes through. In rational ways of thinking were talking about calculation, specifically were trying to calculate what is the most efficient way to do something. We have to put facts before our emotions, beliefs and traditions. Max Weber pioneered and presented the idea of rationalization. For Weber, the increasing rationalization of society, of politics, and of the affairs of humanity was something unique to contemporary times. He believed that societies evolve due to the advancement of science, technology, expending capitalism and bureaucratization. He thought it was the key to understanding modern society and its effect on the individual. He believed in simple words it was the process of replacing traditional and emotional thoughts with reason. For example, a student who fails a test because they did not study hard enough
blames their failure on the teacher for using a tricky question. In this situation the student is trying to justify their failure by thinking of excuses whereas the real reason is they didnt study hard enough. This is a prime example of an individual putting their emotions and beliefs before facts. Four types of rationality are practical rationality which is systematically following rules that are presumes to lead to optimal results, theoretical rationality which is using reasoning and procedures based on abstract concepts and logic, substantive rationality which is adhering to a value system; acting on principles and formal rationality which is systematically following rules that are presumes to lead optimal results. This paper will demonstrate Webers thesis on the causes and consequences of rationalization. It will also look at Webers beliefs in bureaucracy and how it ties into rationality and their similarities. I will examine Webers concern and pessimistic views in relation to the spread of rationalization.