ABSTRACT
This is the life-sphere of the natural, money, planned, market, capitalist, and modern capitalist economies. Weber again offers his analysis by reference to the question of the extent to which this domain rationalizes the social action of persons oriented to the different types of economies. To him, this sphere has generally been dominated by the means-end rational action and practical rationality of these persons.
Only the “modern capitalist economy” model includes an “economic ethos” – namely, it involves a systematic orientation to the production and distribution of goods as mediated by markets. Moreover, Weber views this economy as one that, in certain cases, may be influenced by the religious values of market-oriented persons. “Market-irrational substantive conditions,” however, also directly influence the conduct of such persons. Nonetheless, Weber’s models and matrix in this chapter assist all researchers seeking to assess the extent to which a type of economy enhances or circumscribes the rationalization of action in this domain.
