Religion&Social Change Flashcards
What were Weber’s main views towards religion?
- agreed with Marx that it is an ideological tool which reproduces inequalities
- doesn’t agree that it’s always a conservative force which prevents change
- believes it can bring about social change & action
What did Weber find in his analysis?
- found a link between the rise in Protestantism & the industrial revolution
- In Europe he found that poverty was seen as god given
- however, in the 1500s, John Calvin proposed the idea that being economically well off was more favoured by god
What are two important features of Calvinism?
=Predestination - meaning God has already picked out the souls who are destined for heaven and who are damed for hello before birth
=Weber also believes that there is a link between predestination and the Calvin Protestant work ethic - having economic success will show as evidence that you are part of the elect to go to heaven
What did Weber find in his comparative analysis between Europe and Asia?
-Pre 1700:
China, India and Europe all had similar economic systems
Local business proved trade and they were small, family run
-Mid 1700 and onwards:
Industrialisation only developed in Europe which saw trading across the globe, creating modern capitalist growth. These societies had a strong Protestant work ethic.
However, Asian societies remained spiritually involved and not wanting to earn profit
What were the five characteristics which Weber identified as the Protestant work ethic?
- Self Discipline
- Hard Work
- Thrift
- Modesty
- Rejection of pleasure
What were some of the drastic changes which happened in Western Europe between the 1700&1900 from the Protestant work ethic?
- More efficient industries emerged
- Scientific progress led to development of improved medical care
- An organised & centrally regulated finical economy grew
What other social and cultural factors help towards the development of capitalism, according to Weber?
A BASIC LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY- early understanding of mechanics/production, meant that industries could advance quickly
A SKILLED WORKFORCE - people were prepared to learn and work an active role
A RATIONAL LEGAL SYSTEM - government came about as they needed to regulate the changes which were occurring
China and India had the qualities of a capitalism society, but why did it not develop in these countries?
- Hinduism was ‘other-worldly,’ it encouraged the pursuit of spiritually insight rather than financial gain.
- Therefore, India reminded pre-industrial
- Confucianism did not encourage asceticism, people lead a simple life and didn’t save or invest wealth
- Therefore, China reminded pre-industrial
What other consequences did Weber identify due to the growth of industrial capitalism?
-Globalisation occurred, this is where businesses or organisations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale
Secularisation occurred, the influence of the church started to decline meaning less stigma around social matters
What are some evaluations of Weber?
- Some countries have large Calvinist populations but have no industrialised, however defenders point out that Weber did not claim that Calvinism was the sole reason for capitalism.
- Marxist argue that non-industrial trades, such as slavery and colonialism, brought about more wealth for the west than capitalist beliefs.
- One Marxist suggests that capitalism came before Calvinism, that capitalists were attracted to Calvinism as it gave them a reason for accumulating all their wealth.
What does Bruce believe about religious movements?
-That religious movements can drive people into challenging social ideas and encouraging people to take action, like Weber.
How did religion help the civil right movement according to Bruce?
- began with Rosa Parks and the bus boycott
- Bruce describe the black clergy as people the back bone of the movement, which was led by Dr. Martin Luther King, who also gave support and legitimacy.
- The church provided sanctuary from threats
- Blacks could shake Whites by appealing to the equality of Christian values
According to Bruce, how did religion help the New Christian Right?
- example of a failed movement of change
- Protestant fundamental group
- aim was to give America back to God and make divorce, homosexuality, gay marriage and abortion illegal.
- Bruce believed they failed to empire their values because of the liberal views of American society.
What are some evaluations of Bruce?
- Critics argue that Martin Luthers charisma was far more influential than his religious background.
- The New Christian group weren’t successful, not because of their religious views but because their views were so intolerant that other people were embarrassed of them
