Wiktionary
n. (context sociology English) A theory proposed by Max Weber which argues that rationalization and rules trap humans in a figurative "cage" of thought.
WordNet
n. a cage from which there is no escape
Wikipedia
In sociology, the iron cage is a term coined by Max Weber for the increased rationalization inherent in social life, particularly in Western capitalist societies. The "iron cage" thus traps individuals in systems based purely on teleological efficiency, rational calculation and control. Weber also described the bureaucratization of social order as "the polar night of icy darkness".
The original German term is stahlhartes Gehäuse; this was translated into "iron cage", an expression made familiar to English language speakers by Talcott Parsons in his 1930 translation of Weber's The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. This translation has recently been questioned by certain sociologists and interpreted instead as the "shell as hard as steel".
Weber wrote:
Weber became concerned with social actions and the subjective meaning that humans attach to their actions and interaction within specific social contexts. He also believed in idealism, which is the belief that we only know things because of the meanings that we apply to them. This led to his interest in power and authority in terms of bureaucracy and rationalization.
Usage examples of "iron cage".
He had rescued her twice more, now, breaking her out of an iron cage once, much like the one that had held the Aiel in Remen, and once breaking open a steel chest with a falcon worked on its side.
Its three-toed feet scratched the dirt beneath the iron cage, reminding Peter of a monstrous chicken.
In the close confines of the iron cage, he was acutely aware of the red woman's presence.
Not one soul had come within reach of its claws, circumscribed by the length of the chain that fettered it to the iron cage.
Not one soul had king's dragoncome within reach of its claws, circumscribed by the length of the chain that fettered it to the iron cage.
He went instead to the iron cage beside the well, clambered inside, and yanked hard on the bell rope, three quick pulls.
The ghazneth had exhorted them with harsh Orcish cries and barked orders, shaking its iron cage in its eager fury, but to no avail.
That cable connected her to the rusty iron cage floating in the air behind her.