“Columbine” as social action: analysis from the perspective of M. Weber

An attempt is made to conceptualize the phenomenon of “Сolumbine” as a social action as part of the typology proposed by M. Weber with the allocation of traditional, affective, value-rational and purposeful rational components. This allows us to extend the traditional scheme of Columbine analysis within the rational choice theory and trait theory. The ideal-typical nature of any classification makes it possible to detect traits of all types proposed by M. Weber. However, the analysis made it possible to draw a conclusion about the predominance of value-rational action components in Columbine due to the presence of deep motivation not related to the extraction of any obvious benefit and dubious rationality present only at the stage of determining the most effective means of mass murder. Elements of traditional action can be traced in the reproduction of practices and ritual of mass-murder and affective action can be traced in the peculiarities of the Columbiner’s personality, which caused the accumulation of negativity and hate to commit mass murder.