What aspect does Max Weber identify as a criterion for differentiating traditional and modern societies?

Max Weber identifies the type of legal systems as a significant criterion for differentiating between traditional and modern societies. In traditional societies, legal systems are often grounded in custom and tradition, reflecting the norms and practices that have been passed down through generations. These legal frameworks tend to be more informal and based on established customs rather than codified laws.

In contrast, modern societies are characterized by formal, codified legal systems that are based on rational-legal authority. This means that laws are created through a systematized process, are written down, and are upheld by institutions such as courts and legislatures. These laws are designed to apply universally, regardless of individual social or familial ties, and provide a structure for resolving disputes and administering justice.

This distinction is essential in understanding how societies evolve, as the shift from traditional to modern legal systems reflects broader social changes, including increased bureaucratization, a focus on individual rights, and the establishment of formal institutions that govern behavior.