What is verstehen?

Verstehen is a sociological concept developed by German sociologist Max Weber. It refers to the idea of understanding social behavior from the perspective of those being studied, rather than just from an external, observer's point of view.

Weber believed that in order to truly understand human behavior, one must put themselves in the shoes of the individuals being studied and see the world from their perspective. This involves taking into account the meanings and motivations behind people's actions, as well as the broader social and cultural context in which they occur.

Verstehen is often contrasted with other sociological approaches that focus more on objective, quantitative data and measures. It emphasizes the importance of empathy, subjectivity, and interpretation in understanding social phenomena.

Overall, the concept of verstehen highlights the complexity and subjectivity of human behavior and the need for sociologists to take into account the perspectives and experiences of the individuals they are studying in order to gain a more nuanced understanding of society.