Weber describes authority as legitimate forms of domination within social relationships. He theorizes that authority is legitimized through belief systems that occur within the parameters of the social relationship in which it is active. Within his theory, Weber breaks down authority into three different types: traditional, charismatic and rational-legal. Traditional authority abides by the traditions of cultures or shared values and beliefs within institutions. People continue to obey this authority because their ancestors had obeyed and it has always been that way. This form of authority is legitimized by the followers and their ancient customs. Charismatic authority is found within a leader that has exceptional qualities of inspiration in the eyes of the follower. This extraordinary charisma that is exuded draws in devotion of followers thus legitimizing the power of authority. Rational-legal authority is derived from the respect for legality and gives power to a position. This authority is legitimized by set rules and procedures that define the obligations of a position, not a person. Although these forms of authority differ, in order to gain authority within the social relationship, the authority must have discipline amongst its followers. It is this discipline that acquires followers and it is the followers who legitimize the authority.
Charismatic authority can be seen throughout history. Many people exhibit the traits of being charismatic, showing an ability to persuade followers to act a particular way. The power of discipline a charismatic authority can hold over their followers can be positive of negative. An example of one such person who had charismatic authority is Charles Manson. Charles Manson was a long term criminal and failed musician whose charisma would bring him a devoted group of followers known as the Manson Family. In the late 1960’s the Mason Family was responsible for the Tate and LaBianca murders. These murders were not committed by Charles Manson himself, instead the murders were carried out by the members of his ‘family’ upon his instruction. Charles Manson demonstrated a charismatic authority over his family members. His followers were enamored by his words, believing in everything he had to say. It was his followers, his family members that gave him the power of authority. Manson had the ability to discipline a group of people into obeying him and by believing that he held some exceptional qualities over them, they legitimized his authority qualifying him to be a leader.
The video shows a clip of the prosecutor from Charles Manson’s case, Vincent Bugliosi. In the clip he briefly discusses how Manson’s charisma, in the right social context of the ‘Hippie’ era was able to find him followers for his family.
Charismatic authority can be seen throughout history. Many people exhibit the traits of being charismatic, showing an ability to persuade followers to act a particular way. The power of discipline a charismatic authority can hold over their followers can be positive of negative. An example of one such person who had charismatic authority is Charles Manson. Charles Manson was a long term criminal and failed musician whose charisma would bring him a devoted group of followers known as the Manson Family. In the late 1960’s the Mason Family was responsible for the Tate and LaBianca murders. These murders were not committed by Charles Manson himself, instead the murders were carried out by the members of his ‘family’ upon his instruction. Charles Manson demonstrated a charismatic authority over his family members. His followers were enamored by his words, believing in everything he had to say. It was his followers, his family members that gave him the power of authority. Manson had the ability to discipline a group of people into obeying him and by believing that he held some exceptional qualities over them, they legitimized his authority qualifying him to be a leader.
The video shows a clip of the prosecutor from Charles Manson’s case, Vincent Bugliosi. In the clip he briefly discusses how Manson’s charisma, in the right social context of the ‘Hippie’ era was able to find him followers for his family.