Summary
Summary Religion as a force for social change
- Module
- Belifes in society
- Institution
- AQA
A-level sociology notes for those heading to the second year of the course, or for those who are interested in the subject.
[Show more]
Seller
Follow
Content preview
Religion 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.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller lweendohamalabi. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £4.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
48298 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy revision notes and other study material for 15 years now