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Autorität

Autorität denotes the socially recognized right to issue orders and to expect compliance. It is a form of social power grounded in legitimacy, expertise, or institutional status, and is not reducible to coercion alone.

In social and political theory, Autorität is analyzed as distinct from mere force and from influence. Max

Authority operates within and beyond formal institutions. It can be codified in laws and hierarchies or arise

Critiques emphasize that authority can become oppressive or illegitimate when unchecked, contributing to authoritarianism or the

Related concepts include legitimacy, Macht (power), Einfluss (influence), and organizational or political theory perspectives on authority.

Weber
identified
three
ideal
types:
traditionelle
Autorität
(based
on
long-standing
customs),
charismatische
Autorität
(based
on
the
personal
qualities
of
a
leader),
and
rational-legal
Autorität
(based
on
rules
and
offices).
In
modern
states,
rational-legal
Autorität
is
often
dominant,
yet
traditional
or
charismatic
elements
can
persist
in
political
culture.
informally
through
trust
and
competence.
The
legitimacy
of
Autorität
rests
on
consent,
accountability,
and
the
perceived
fairness
of
its
norms
and
procedures.
ossification
of
institutions.
The
German-language
discourse
often
highlights
balance
between
Autorität,
Demokratie,
and
Rechtsstaat
(rule
of
law).