Social Action theory of religion (radical)

Question 1

Weber

Answer 1

-Calvinism helped bring abt emergence of modern capitalism in North Europe (16th/17th centuries)

Question 2

Spirit of capitalism

Answer 2

systematic, efficient, rational pursuit of profit for its own skae

Question 3

Distinctive beliefs in Calvinism

Answer 3

-predestination: God decided who will be saved (the elect) before birth and there’s nothing we can do to change it
-divine transcendence= God is beyond this world so we can’t know his will which creates ‘salvation panic’ as didn’t know if they’d been chosen
-ascetism= refraining from luxury etc to devote themselves to God
-Vocation= before Calvinism devotion to God meant monatries etc (other-worldly) but Calvinism introduced this-worldly devotion through consistent work

Question 4

Consequences of Calvinist’s hard work

Answer 4

-wealth performed psychological functions to help w/ salvation panic
-They systematically and methodically accumulated wealth rationally and reinvested it

Question 5

What had to be used to bring abt capitalism

Answer 5

-protestant work ethic alone was not enough
-economic factors i.e. natural resources were also necessary but both ancient India and China were more economically advanced but Capitalism didn’t take off here

Question 6

Ancient India (hinduism)

Answer 6

-similarities w/ calvinism= ascetic religion
-differences w/ calvinism= was ‘other-worldly’= directed followers to spiritual work like monasteries, not methodical work for money

Question 7

Ancient China (Confucianism)

Answer 7

-similarities w/ calvinism= ‘this- worldly’ religion
-differences w/ calvinism= was not ascetic i.e. followers spent earnings on luxuries rather than reinvesting

Question 8

ETV (disadvantage)

Answer 8

-underestimates role of economic factors
-Tech change caused capitalism, only after capitalism was established did the Bourgeoise adopt Calvinism to legitimate wealth
-Scotland had high calvinist population but slow to develop capitalism
-other religious minorities were also excluded i.e. Jews in East Europe but didn’t become successful capitalists

Question 9

ETV (advantage)

Answer 9

-Marshall= lack of investment and skilled labour meant capitalism didn’t develop= support Weber’s point that both economic and cultural factors are needed
-Calvinists some of first capitalists but this is due to exclusion from politics etc so turned to business