Calvinism

• When did Max Weber publish The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism?

  1904
• What was the focus of Weber's study in his work?

  Religion as an engine of social change
• What religious movement did Weber focus on in his study?

  Calvinism
• What were the two features of Calvinism identified by Weber?

  Ascetism and predestination
• What does ascetism promote according to Weber?

  Self-denial and an austere life
• How does ascetism relate to capitalism?

  It encourages reinvestment of earnings
• What is the concept of predestination in Calvinism?

  Fate is decided before birth
• What psychological effect did predestination have on Calvinists?

  It caused anxiety and salvation panic
• How did Calvinists interpret success in their work?

  As a sign of being among the elect
• What did Calvinists do with their earnings instead of spending on luxuries?

  They reinvested the money into businesses
• What is the relationship between ascetism, calling, and capitalism according to Weber?

  • Ascetism promotes self-denial
  • Encourages making oneself useful
  • Leads to success in business
  • Profits are reinvested, fueling capitalism
• Did Weber believe Calvinism was the only factor in capitalism's development?

  No, he acknowledged other factors existed
• What did critics say about Weber's view on capitalism and religion?

  It was a debate with Marx's ideas
• What did Eisenstadt argue against Weber's theory?

  Capitalism existed without Calvinism
• What was R.H. Tawney's conclusion about capitalism and Protestantism?

  Capitalism helped create Protestantism
• What did critics point out about Calvinism and capitalism in Scotland?

  Calvinism was strong but capitalism was weak
• What aspect of Weber's understanding has been questioned?

  His understanding of Calvinism and religions