Weber: Calvinism

• What was Webers view on the spirit of capitalism?

  Weber argued religious beliefs (Calvanist + Protestantism) helped lay the foundations for modern Capitalism in Western Europe
• What were the 3 key Calvinist beliefs?

  1. predestination
  2. asceticism
  3. the 'calling'
• what does predestination mean?

  • god has already chosen who will be saved (elect) and who will be damned
  • can't change your fate - no matter what you do on earth
  • created salvation anxiety - people wanted reassurance they were saved
• What does Asceticism mean?

  • self denial: no luxury/pleasure
  • believers should live frugally and avoid indulgence
  • success + discipline = religious virtue
• What does the 'calling' mean?

  • work seen as a 'religious duty'
  • earthly work wasn't just for survival/wealth but a way to serve God
• What was the outcome of Calvinism?

  • Calvinists worked hard
  • lived simply and saved money
  • reinvested profits into businesses and work
  • created ethic of rational capitalism - profits + reinvestment = economic growth
  • religion unintentionally helped create the economic system of modern capitalism
• Explain 2 strengths of Webers explanation of Calvinism

  • weber shows religion isn't always conservative: Weber shows religion can help to create economic systems - powerful insight - especially in showing how belief system can shape behaviour
  • shows unintended consequences of beliefs - Calvinists didn't try to create capitalism but their desire for salvation led them to work hard, save and reinvest - introduces the idea that religion can influence society in complex and indirect ways
• Evaluate Webers explanation of Calvinism by using Eisenstadt's view

  Eisenstadt

  • capitalism developed without calvinism
  • capitalism - catholic Italy before calvinism emerged
  • if calvinist beliefs were necessary for capitalism we shouldn't see capitalism in non-protestant societies
• Evaluate Webers explanation of Calvinism by using the example of Scotland

  Scotland remained poor despite being Calvanist

  challenges Webers link between calvinism and economic growth

  beliefs alone weren't strong enough
• Evaluate Webers explanation of Calvinism by using Tawney's view

  Tawney - reversed causation

  • capitalism came first and calvinism/protestantism adapted to fit in
  • protestant merchants embraced a religion that suited their already capitalism values
  • capitalism shaped religion not religion shaping capitalism
• Evaluate Webers explanation of Calvinism by using theological inaccuracy

  • some argue Webers misunderstood calvinism - how seriously calvinists took predestination
  • if people believe fate is fixed why would they be motivated to work all day
  • theory may rely on narrow/incorrect reading of calvinist doctrine