Rationality of social entrepreneurs in tourism: Max Weber and the sociology of tourism development

Despite increasing recognition of its contribution to development in many parts of the world, academic research about social entrepreneurship remains in its infancy. There has been little inquiry into the rationale for social entrepreneurship, despite its potential to clarify many conceptual ambiguities associated with this emerging phenomenon. In response to such a gap, the present article advances a compelling framework from classic sociology, that of Max Weber’s typology of rationality, as a means to explain the motivations of social entrepreneurs in the tourism industry. It emphasises the concepts of formal and substantive rationality, which are Weber’s most significant contributions to the understanding of human behaviour. The article also presents methodological considerations for the use of Weber’s typology. A constructivism paradigm and the narrative approach to inquiry are suggested as most readily aligned with Weber’s own methodological stance towards sociological explanation.