Authority

Power that people accept as legitimate: they recognise a right to give instructions or make decisions.

Power regarded as legitimate: those subject to it recognise a right to give instructions or make decisions.

Authority is power recognised as legitimate. A teacher normally has authority to organise a lesson because their position gives them a recognised right to do so. Power is broader: someone may influence another person without having any accepted right to command them.

Power accepted as legitimate: people recognise an individual’s or group’s right to direct them.

For Weber’s three types of authority, explain why people accept someone’s right to lead, rather than simply naming a powerful person.

Formal/informal power and Weber’s authority types are different distinctions. A formally appointed leader may also inspire personal loyalty.

Identify the basis of authority: long-established custom, followers' belief in personal qualities, or recognised rules and an official position.

Power accepted as legitimate: people recognise the right of a person or organisation to give instructions.

The recognised right to exercise power, such as the right attached to an official position.

Authority means the recognised right to exercise power.

Power that people accept as legitimate: they recognise the right of a person or institution to give orders.

Definition

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AQA GCSE Sociology · 8192

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Eduqas GCSE Sociology · C200