Charismatic Domination: A Sociological Analysis
Charismatic Domination
“Charisma” refers to an extraordinary quality, originally perceived as magical, possessed by figures like prophets, sorcerers, warlords, and leaders. This quality imbues the individual with seemingly supernatural or exceptional abilities, setting them apart as divine envoys or uniquely gifted individuals. This perceived extraordinariness positions them as leaders, guides, or heads of their followers.
The objective assessment of this quality, whether ethical, aesthetic, or otherwise, is irrelevant to our concept. What truly matters is how the “dominated” perceive the charismatic figure and their “followers.”
Sociology considers the charisma of various figures on the same plane, regardless of ethical or other evaluations. Examples include a “madman” whose frenzies were attributed to drug use, a shaman whose ecstasy might stem from epileptiform attacks, the founder of Mormonism (potentially a fraud), or a demagogic writer like Kurt Eisner. All are viewed alongside “great” heroes, prophets, and saviors.
Recognition and Legitimacy
The validity of charisma rests on its recognition by the dominated—born from devotion, reverence, or confidence. This recognition is sustained by “corroboration” of the perceived charismatic qualities, often initially demonstrated through extraordinary feats. However, in genuine charisma, recognition is not the basis of legitimacy, but rather a duty of those called upon to recognize the leader’s qualities based on their vocation and corroboration.
Psychologically, this “recognition” is a deeply personal surrender, fueled by enthusiasm, faith, want, and hope. Prophets do not see their quality as dependent on the crowd; charismatic leaders view opponents or outsiders not as targets of persuasion, but as defaulters. Non-participation in the leader’s call is met with ridicule and scorn.
The Role of Corroboration
Continued lack of corroboration, the perceived abandonment of the charismatic figure by their god or the failure of their strength, especially if their leadership fails to provide welfare to the dominated, can lead to the dissipation of their authority. This is the essence of the genuinely charismatic rule “by the grace of God.”
Even old Germanic kings could face “public displays of contempt,” a practice also seen among so-called primitive peoples. In China, the status of charismatic monarchs (charismatic-inherited) was so deeply entrenched that any misfortune, from wars to natural disasters, required public atonement and potential abdication. If the charisma of “virtue” (as determined by the spirit of heaven) was lacking, the monarch was no longer a legitimate “son of heaven.”
Charismatic Domination and Administration
Charismatic domination is an emotionally charged communal process. The administrative cadre is not bureaucratic or based on formal procedures. Selection is based on perceived charismatic qualities, not on status, dependency, or ownership. The prophet chooses disciples, the warlord his “entourage,” and the chief his “men of confidence.”
There are no formal appointments, dismissals, promotions, or hierarchies. The leader intervenes as needed, based on their inspiration and the charismatic qualities of their followers. There is no fixed jurisdiction or competence, but rather a spatial limitation of charisma and “mission.” There are no salaries or perks; disciples and followers live communally, supported by patrons. There are no established benches, only charismatically appointed missionaries. There are no abstract legal precepts or rational application of law, but rather case-by-case pronouncements, akin to divine judgments and revelations.
Genuine charismatic domination is governed by the principle of “it was written, but I say unto you.” The genuine prophet, leader, or manager creates new commandments based on revelation, inspiration, or organizational merits, recognized by the community. This recognition creates a duty. Challenges to prophetic authority are not resolved through debate but through struggles for leadership, decided by magical means or community recognition. Right can only reside on one side; the other is subject to atonement.
Charismatic domination is distinct from both rational (especially bureaucratic) and traditional (especially patriarchal and patrimonial) domination. These are forms of daily routine, while genuine charisma is extraordinary. Bureaucratic domination is rational, adhering to analyzed rules; charismatic domination is irrational, defying all rules. Traditional rule is bound by precedent; charismatic rule subverts the past and is revolutionary. It does not recognize ownership of command or assets. It is legitimate as long as the personal charisma “rules” and maintains recognition and the trust of followers.
Charisma and the Economy
Pure charisma is inherently foreign to the economy. It represents a vocation, a “mission” or “homework.” It scorns economic valuation of gifts as a source of income. While not always rejecting ownership or profit (as seen with some prophets and disciples), it despises the rational or traditional daily economy and the pursuit of regular income. Charismatic figures may rely on patronage (donations, foundations, gratuities) or loot and extortion, but these are viewed as necessities, not economic pursuits.
From an economic perspective, charisma is “wasteful” because it rejects integration with the everyday. It can be accompanied by intermittent, occasional acquisition, but “living income” is often the economic rationale. Ascetic heroes, mendicant orders, and fighters for the faith exemplify this. Most prophets relied on patronage. Paul’s admonition against free riders (“who do not work should not eat”) is not an affirmation of the “economy” but a duty to seek livelihood as an “ancillary profession.” The parable of the “lilies of the field” emphasizes a lack of concern for the future, not a literal rejection of work. In some cases, charismatic groups, particularly those aesthetically oriented, may value economic independence (as seen in Stefan George’s circle).
Charisma as a Revolutionary Force
Charisma is a revolutionary force in traditional times. Unlike the equally revolutionary force of reason, which operates externally by changing attitudes towards circumstances, charisma operates internally, born of poverty or enthusiasm. It shifts consciousness and action, reorienting attitudes towards life and the “world.” In pre-rational times, tradition and charisma are the primary forces shaping behavior.