Perhaps a more relevant example would be the modern goal of material success sought after by many young people today. Many recognize that the most efficient way to attain that success is through higher education, and so they flock to the universities in order to get a good job. Wertrational, or value oriented rationality, is characterized by striving for a goal, which in itself may not be rational, but which is pursued through rational means. The traditional example in the literature is of an individual seeking salvation through following the teachings of a prophet. Affective action is anchored in the emotional state of the person rather than the rational weighing of means and ends.
Sentiments are powerful forces in motivating human behavior.
Attending university for the community life of the fraternity, or following your boyfriend to school would be an example. Weber's typology is intended to be a comprehensive list of the types of meaning men and women give to their conduct across sociocultural systems. But Weber went further than a mere classification scheme. He developed the typology because he was primarily concerned with modern society and and how it differs from societies of the past. He proposed that the basic distinguishing feature of modern society was a characteristic shift in the motivation of individuals.