Question

Think about the last time you shared a holiday dinner with your family. many holiday dishes are served year after year. what kind of authority might be displayed through these dishes and other practices at the holiday meal

Answer 1

Traditional authority

Sociologist Max Weber identified three types of authority.

Traditional authority is tied to traditions or customs, and we continue to do things according to certain patterns because we think it's always been done that way and thus is the right path to continue.  This can be used in political systems too, when the status quo and established norms and procedures continue to be seen as authoritative.

Rational-legal authority is how Weber described the authority or leadership powers that have been attached to certain positions by law or according to democratic processes.  An elected official has such "rational-legal" authority by virtue of his office.

Charismatic authority was Weber's term for the personal qualities of certain individuals that make others want to follow their lead.