What Is Bureaucracy?
In: Telos, Band 22, S. 31-65
ISSN: 0040-2842, 0090-6514
The theory of state is analyzed through its development in the writings of 3 theorists: (1) the later writings of Marx with their emphasis on historical theory, (2) the STATE AND REVOLUTION by Lenin (no publishing information available) which closely follows Marxian principles, & (3) Trotskyist ideas of social democracy & labor aristocracy. The concept of bureaucracy in modern society is examined with reference to M. Weber's analysis of commonalities among bureaucracies, & his typification of bureaucracy based on his theory of the general nature of bureaucracy. The definitions advanced by Weber are supplemented with the ideas of other theorists such as A. Touraine, & M. Crozier. 3 examples mentioned by Weber are presented to illustrate aspects of bureaucracy. Difficulties inherent in the writing of a formal definition of bureaucracy are described; they are manifest in the imprecision & ambiguity which exists (in current literature) concerning the phenomena. Some conclusions are drawn pertaining to the bureaucrat in his functionings in the areas of administration, hierarchal power relations, exploitative SR, sphere of addressed, & principles for the guidance of discussions of bureaucracy are outlined. The described text is related to present day situations & modes of thought. C. Grindle.