To develop an individual’s understanding, one’s objective is to interpret the motivations behind action. To gain a deeper insight, one must study the development of social relations, institutions, and interactions. The study of
sociology is used to understand (verstehen) and gain meaning behind these social actions which are observed. Weber understood the world around him by observing
naturally occurring relationships. He defined these interactions occurring in the society as social action.
Social action is the relationship between social
actors (agents) at a given time and location. An observed social phenomenon is
interpreted based on the actors involved, the social location and time, and the
cause and effect of the occurrence. Individuals play specific roles in society
which are determined by their social order and the responsibilities assigned to
that order. Within cartoons and comic books, superheroes play a key role in the
fictitious society created. Social actions occurring between the superhero and
its location, gives the framework for an ideal type for a hero and gives them an
authoritative role.
Sitting at the television on a Saturday morning watching
the all-time classic cartoons: Batman, Superman, Spiderman and the list
continues on and on. After watching cartoon shows, one after another, you are
observing a person in distress being rescued by this person who seems
invincible. This person is not only seen as a hero but specifically a superhero.
In the real world, individuals can be defined as a hero based on certain traits.
An ideal type allows the opportunity to list these characteristics as a “model”
for a specified object or phenomena that does not necessarily exist in the “real
world”. An ideal model for a hero exhibits these characteristics: bravery,
courage, determination, dedication, endurance, perseverance, valor,
selflessness, sacrifice, and humility (just to name a few). Superheroes do not
conform to this entire list of traits of an “ideal hero”. Superheroes possess
some traits, which identifies them as a hero, while at the same time possessing
qualities that are exaggerated (costumes and superhuman powers).
Rescuing a distressed person allows the superhero to reveal certain actions and behaviors
in that given situation. The superhero is given a sense of authority based on
his/her charisma. Authority is the acknowledgment of having influence over a
given social relationship. Having a charismatic authority allows an ordinary
person to be held in high esteem based on extraordinary traits others define
them as possessing. The general public found in the settings of cartoons and
comics, views the “ordinary person” as being extraordinary. The superhero’s
costume and superhuman powers supports him/her as being charismatic
(extraordinary). The people recognize the influence the superhero has on
themselves and others around them in their location (e.g. city, town,
state). There is a constant threat of the superhero losing his/her
authoritative role since other types of authorities exist. Traditional authority
exists through institutions who believe that customs and traditions influence
social relationships. Rational-legal authority exists through rules,
regulations, and laws which influence relationships amongst actors in society.
Meanwhile, with the presence of these other types of authorities, the superhero
must maintain his/her appeal/desirability among the people. In order for the
superhero to secure his authoritative role, he/she must constantly save victims
and fight against crime and villains. There is a constant conflict that arises
for the superhero as the police, representing rational-legal authority, coexist
with his/her authority within society. Is the superhero seen as a threat or an
ally to the bureaucratic system of the law enforcement found in society?
sociology is used to understand (verstehen) and gain meaning behind these social actions which are observed. Weber understood the world around him by observing
naturally occurring relationships. He defined these interactions occurring in the society as social action.
Social action is the relationship between social
actors (agents) at a given time and location. An observed social phenomenon is
interpreted based on the actors involved, the social location and time, and the
cause and effect of the occurrence. Individuals play specific roles in society
which are determined by their social order and the responsibilities assigned to
that order. Within cartoons and comic books, superheroes play a key role in the
fictitious society created. Social actions occurring between the superhero and
its location, gives the framework for an ideal type for a hero and gives them an
authoritative role.
Sitting at the television on a Saturday morning watching
the all-time classic cartoons: Batman, Superman, Spiderman and the list
continues on and on. After watching cartoon shows, one after another, you are
observing a person in distress being rescued by this person who seems
invincible. This person is not only seen as a hero but specifically a superhero.
In the real world, individuals can be defined as a hero based on certain traits.
An ideal type allows the opportunity to list these characteristics as a “model”
for a specified object or phenomena that does not necessarily exist in the “real
world”. An ideal model for a hero exhibits these characteristics: bravery,
courage, determination, dedication, endurance, perseverance, valor,
selflessness, sacrifice, and humility (just to name a few). Superheroes do not
conform to this entire list of traits of an “ideal hero”. Superheroes possess
some traits, which identifies them as a hero, while at the same time possessing
qualities that are exaggerated (costumes and superhuman powers).
Rescuing a distressed person allows the superhero to reveal certain actions and behaviors
in that given situation. The superhero is given a sense of authority based on
his/her charisma. Authority is the acknowledgment of having influence over a
given social relationship. Having a charismatic authority allows an ordinary
person to be held in high esteem based on extraordinary traits others define
them as possessing. The general public found in the settings of cartoons and
comics, views the “ordinary person” as being extraordinary. The superhero’s
costume and superhuman powers supports him/her as being charismatic
(extraordinary). The people recognize the influence the superhero has on
themselves and others around them in their location (e.g. city, town,
state). There is a constant threat of the superhero losing his/her
authoritative role since other types of authorities exist. Traditional authority
exists through institutions who believe that customs and traditions influence
social relationships. Rational-legal authority exists through rules,
regulations, and laws which influence relationships amongst actors in society.
Meanwhile, with the presence of these other types of authorities, the superhero
must maintain his/her appeal/desirability among the people. In order for the
superhero to secure his authoritative role, he/she must constantly save victims
and fight against crime and villains. There is a constant conflict that arises
for the superhero as the police, representing rational-legal authority, coexist
with his/her authority within society. Is the superhero seen as a threat or an
ally to the bureaucratic system of the law enforcement found in society?