Which belief argues that modern society should be built around logic and efficiency rather than morality or tradition?

• A. Rationalization
• B. Iron Cage
• C. Habitualization
• D. Institutionalization

Answer: (A)

Rationalization is the idea that modern society should be organized around logic, efficiency, and calculability rather than morality or tradition. This view, central to Weber’s thinking, sees social life being processed through formal rules, standardized procedures, and impersonal decision-making aimed at maximizing output and control. In practice, it means prioritizing measurable results, efficiency, and predictability over traditional customs or moral considerations. The other terms describe related phenomena rather than the guiding belief itself: the iron cage illustrates the restricting outcome of widespread rationalization; habitualization is about routines becoming taken for granted; institutionalization is the process by which practices or norms become established. So the belief that society should be built around logic and efficiency is rationalization.