Religio
n as a
force
Calvinism: brought about the work ethic that gave rise to capitalism. Capitalism is based on
the systematic, efficient, rational pursuit of profit for own sake, rather than consumption.
Calvinist beliefs: Weber:
Predestination: God has predetermined which souls will be saved. The individuals
can do nothing to change this. This leads to a salvation anxiety as they do not know if
they will be saved.
Divine Transcendence: God is immortal/great that no human can claim to know his
will. Gives rise to loneliness. Combined with predestination, this creates salvation
panic.
Ascetism: Abstinence, self-discipline and denial. Monks, for example, lead an
acentric existence, and refrain from luxury. They wear simple clothes and avoid
excess; devote life to God and life in prayer.
Vocation or calling: Weber argues that Calvinism introduced the world to glorify
God’s name. This is done through mythological work in society. 2 functions are
performed:
1) allowed Calvinists to cope with salvation panic
2) Reinforced gains of more wealth: spirit of modern capitalism
Hinduism and Confucianism
Weber argues that Calvinist beliefs were a cause of modern capitalism. Several
economic factors/material factors were necessary. Natural resources, trade,
money economy, towns and cities, a system of law and so on.
Other societies had higher rates of economic growth than Northern Europe 16 th
and 17th century. They still failed to adopt modern capitalism.
China and India are materially advanced but didn’t adopt capitalism due to lack
of religious beliefs like Calvinism.
In ancient India, Hinduism was an ascetic religion, favouring renunciation of the
material world.
Ancient China: Confucianism discouraged the growth of rational capitalism but
for different reasons. This worldly religion directed followers towards the
material world, unlike the Calvinism.
Religion played a similar role to the one Calvinism played in the development of
capitalism in the 16th/17th century Europe.
Redding argues that Chinese entrepreneurs’ post Confucian values are
encouraging, hardworking, self-disciplined, and committed to education, and
self-improvement. This is like the protestant ethic. This leads to economic
productivity and accumulation of the capital.
n as a
force
Calvinism: brought about the work ethic that gave rise to capitalism. Capitalism is based on
the systematic, efficient, rational pursuit of profit for own sake, rather than consumption.
Calvinist beliefs: Weber:
Predestination: God has predetermined which souls will be saved. The individuals
can do nothing to change this. This leads to a salvation anxiety as they do not know if
they will be saved.
Divine Transcendence: God is immortal/great that no human can claim to know his
will. Gives rise to loneliness. Combined with predestination, this creates salvation
panic.
Ascetism: Abstinence, self-discipline and denial. Monks, for example, lead an
acentric existence, and refrain from luxury. They wear simple clothes and avoid
excess; devote life to God and life in prayer.
Vocation or calling: Weber argues that Calvinism introduced the world to glorify
God’s name. This is done through mythological work in society. 2 functions are
performed:
1) allowed Calvinists to cope with salvation panic
2) Reinforced gains of more wealth: spirit of modern capitalism
Hinduism and Confucianism
Weber argues that Calvinist beliefs were a cause of modern capitalism. Several
economic factors/material factors were necessary. Natural resources, trade,
money economy, towns and cities, a system of law and so on.
Other societies had higher rates of economic growth than Northern Europe 16 th
and 17th century. They still failed to adopt modern capitalism.
China and India are materially advanced but didn’t adopt capitalism due to lack
of religious beliefs like Calvinism.
In ancient India, Hinduism was an ascetic religion, favouring renunciation of the
material world.
Ancient China: Confucianism discouraged the growth of rational capitalism but
for different reasons. This worldly religion directed followers towards the
material world, unlike the Calvinism.
Religion played a similar role to the one Calvinism played in the development of
capitalism in the 16th/17th century Europe.
Redding argues that Chinese entrepreneurs’ post Confucian values are
encouraging, hardworking, self-disciplined, and committed to education, and
self-improvement. This is like the protestant ethic. This leads to economic
productivity and accumulation of the capital.
