Weber and the Protestant
Work Ethic
Origin
Weber proposed a theory to help explain
the development of capitalism in Western
Europe.
First proposed his theory in a two part
paper published in 1904 & 1905.
Stressed the role of ascetic Protestantism
in the development of modern captialism
and the growth seen in parts of Western
Europe during the 1500 ’s and beyond.
Theory
Weber stated that Protestantism, specifically
Calvanism, played a large role in the
development of capitalism. However, it had no
part in sustaining it, rather capitalism grew on
its own once in place.
Protestantism was singled out as the catalyst,
however Weber believed that it could
potentially be another force. His only criteria
was that it be a radical cultural force that broke
through traditional beliefs and attitudes.
This was of course contingent on other factors
being present, such as economic, technical
and political factors.
‘Spirit of Capitalism’ and the growing
accumulation of wealth.
Cultural shift under capitalist rationalization.
Capitalism becoming the culture.
Weber was curious about the source of this
culture. He did not accept a purely
materialistic view.
Led him to the connection between the
Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism.‘
Protestantism
Why the Protestants?
Salvation, doctrinal shifts and the growth of
personal wealth.
Calvinists as the first.
Opposite of Catholics.
The blending of Protestand Ethic and Spirit
of Capitalism into one.
Criticism
Weber’s incomplete theory helped
fuel criticism.
Two main criticisms.
Middle ground?
Catholicism
Catholic community vs. Protestant
community.
One’s path to salvation.
Charity and poverty.
Present Day
Weber’s theory in present day
economics.
Reluctance by economists to blend
disciplines.
Source: Howard, Michael C. One Hundred Years From Today: Max
Weber’s
the Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism.
History of Economics Review, vol. 0, no. 42, Summer 2005, pp.
100-103.
Max Weber
Roman Catholics are assured of their
salvation from their belief in the
sacraments and by following the
authority of the Church’s hierarchy.
He believed that the protestant ethic
had removed such assurances of
salvation.
Salvation
By lacking their assurance of
salvation, protestants were led abroad
for new answers
Success as a new medium to salvation
Out of this emerges Calvinism
Calvinism
Calvinism is a theological system
and an approach to Christian life
that emphasizes God’s sovereignty
in all things. It falls within the
realm of Protestant Christianity and
is sometimes called the Reformed
tradition or Reformed theology.
Reformation
Rising importance of Reformed
Churches belongs to the second phase
of the Protestant Reformation
Evangelical churches began to form
A spread across Europe
His ideas about the reformed church
across Europe and began to emerge in
countries such as Germany, France,
Hungary…
Calvinism Continued…
Concept of Predestination
No longer can good/faithful acts
automatically lead to the path of
heaven
Either among the ‘elect’ or not
Wealth taken as a sign of the ‘elect’
Continued Some more…
A clear incentive for acquiring wealth
Thus, Calvinism (so also, the
protestant ethic) led to a religious
outlook that placed emphasis on
discipline that encouraged men to
acquire wealth
Why is this important?
I don’t know…
Just kidding
Weber’s intention was to demonstrate
a relationship between Calvinism and
a form of capitalism, deeming it
important.
Barro and McCleary
Costs include not only time but
resources expended on buildings,
precious objects and so on.
Believing (values) relative to
belonging (or attending) is the main
channel through which religion
matters for economic and other
outcomes
Blum and Dudley
Europe Today
Economic Networks
Protestant Europe created a
distributed economic network that
spread across state borders.
new arbitrage opportunities available
in cities bordering on the Atlantic
Information available from Protestant
printing centers-Catholic ones were
censored
Divergence Between North/South
Growth of real wage and population
Urban population growth
5x greater in protestant regions than
Catholic ones
Literacy
Protestant now (1750) more literate
English males 60% vs. French males
40%
Catholic Urban Literacy Network
(1750)
The Protestant Urban Literacy
Network (1750)
Blum and Dudley’s Conclusions
European economic growth prior to
1750 was actually not Malthusian
Weber’s individual protestant work
ethic not strongly supported
Literacy along with a higher honoring
of contracts created a close knit
network of Protestants
Religion in China
Traditional Chinese religions:
Confucianism
system of social and ethical philosophy
Daoism
indefinable, unifying force at the centre of the
universe
Buddhism
Buddha taught that in life there exists sorrow/
suffering which is caused by desire and it can
be cured by following the Noble Eightfold Path
Non-Traditional Religions
Islam
Christianity
History of Christianity in China
Developed since at least 7th century AD
1807: Chinese translation of Bible by
missionary
Divided into 2 main categories:
Protestant (基督教徒)
Catholic (天主教徒)
Communism Era
Communist Party discouraged the
practice of religion not only because it
was atheist, but also believed religion
was a dangerous alternative set of
beliefs to communism
1982 constitution amended thanks to
Deng Xiaoping's views, and freedom
of religion was allowed.
Catholics worship through the
Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association
rather than the Roman Catholic
Church
Question:
Where do you think China stands?
Do you think religion has had any
impact on its economic growth?