Max Weber: Authority and Power

The first type discussed by Weber is legal-rational authority. It is that form of authority which depends for its legitimacy on formal rules and established laws of the state, which are usually written down and are often very complex. The power of the rational-legal authority is mentioned in the constitution. Modern societies depend on legal-rational authority. Government officials are the best example of this form of authority, which is prevalent all over the world.
The second type of authority, traditional authority, derives from long-established customs, habits and social structures. When power passes from one generation to another, it is known as traditional authority. The rule of hereditary monarchs furnishes an obvious example. The Tudor dynasty in England and the ruling families of Mewar in Rajasthan (India) are some examples of traditional authority.
The third form of authority is charismatic authority. Here, the charisma of the individual or the leader plays an important role. Charismatic authority is that authority which is derived from the leader's claims to a higher power or inspiration that is supported by his or her followers. Examples in this regard can be NT Rama Rao, a matinee idol, who went on to become one of the most powerful Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh.

[DamuruMusemakweri]

lovely simple and strait forward explanation

[shadowguarder]

A type of traditional authority is familiar authority, familiar authority is inherently selfish.
It doesn't matter what the son thinks, or how he disagrees, he must shut up. If the parent is mad, nobody shall bother him. If the son is mad, nobody cares. Only the feelings of the familiar authority matter, anyone else can shut up. Relationships don't work like that.
Relationships are not a series of disciplinary threats to get you to shut up, to get you to accept their actions and demands.
Familiar authority is inherently abusive.
If your reaction to your child being angry with you and talking back is anger, or threatening ( not necessarily violently) then you are an abusive parent/familiar.
I also believe this is why a boss being friends or overall related with it's employee is wrong, but that is a popular opinion. Why is it not popular that family having authority isn't unpopular? Tradition.
Familiar Authority is ONLY socially acceptable because of Traditional, and it is otherwise equivalent to a boss and an employee being lovers or friends
You are not your child's boss. You are not your boyfriend's boss. You are not your brothers boss. You are your child's protector, and you are your brother/boyfriend's EQUAL.
Familiar Authority is inherently ABUSIVE and SELF CENTERED.