5. Religion as a Force for Change

• What are 2 criticisms of Weber?

  -Neglects non-protestant societies

  -Religion isn't the only driving force of capitalism seen through other religions that developed differently
• What did capitalism fail to take hold of Confucianism as fast as Calvinism?

  Wealth & profit seeking seen as secondary to moral & social obligations

  Values stability & continuity- change is viewed with caution & often limited
• Why did capitalism fail to take hold of Hinduism as fast as Calvinism?

  -Hinduism's polytheistic nature has led to a variety of ideas of spiritual success

  -Wealth was foretold by the caste when born, limited aspirations of wealth
• What was economic success seen as? What did it lead them to do?

  -A sign of God's favour

  -To work diligently & accumulate wealth
• What did Weber say about the Protestant work ethic?


  It laid the foundation for the spirit of capitalism, rooted in the principles of hard work, diligence & frugality
• What did the idea of Predestination do?

  Greatly unsettled believers & led practicioners to continually search for signs of divine favour
• Predestination

  The belief that God had already determined who would be saved or damned
• Calvinism

  Protestant denomination founded by John Calvin
• How did the view of work change?

  A significant cultural shift of work from a necessary but unfortunate aspect of life to a way to fulfil religious duty & finding meaning & salvation through labour
• What did Protestantism encourage?

  Engagement in worldly activities, including work, to demonstrate tighter faith & devotion to God
• What are the Protestant Ethics?


  1. Individual should fulfil his worldly duties

  2. 'Good work' is required for salvation

  3. 'Callings' emphasised

  4. Moral energy & drive of a capitalist entrepreneur encouraged

  5. American Puritans, hardworking & enterprising

  6. Accumulation of wealth forbidden

  7. Wealth must not be used for luxury & self indulgence
• The Protestant Reformation

  -A religious movement challenged the authority of the Catholic Church & led to the formation of protestant denominations in 16th Century Europe

  -Individual faith emphasised & all people were equally valuable to God