Max Weber's theoretical constitution of sociological ideal types is examined, and a number of key elements and characteristics of such types are identified. Additionally, several common misconceptions with respect to Weber's sociological types are clarified, including the erroneous assumption that his sociological ideal types were formulated on an ad hoc basis, as well as the common complaint that these types are overly abstract and more suited to classification than explanation. By combining Weber's methodological discussions of the ideal type with examples taken from his substantive studies, Weber's sociological ideal types are shown to have been constructed as integrated components of theoretical schemes which, when applied to an empirical context, provide comprehensive explanations.
KeywordsAction, explanation, ideal type, meaning, reality of life, social relationship, theoretical scheme, Weber This article examines Max Weber's sociological ideal types in order to provide a systematic exposition of the theoretical constitution and characteristics of such types. Although there is already a substantial body of literature devoted to the examination of Weber's ideal types, much of it is focused on epistemological issues such as concept formation, validity and value 'relevance' (see, for example,