the protestant work ethic and the spirit of capitalism

Calvinism, founded by the Frenchman John Calvin was one such sect. They stressed simplicity, austerity and devotion. The protestant sects that sprang up all over Europe tried to recapture the lost spirit of the church. Priests had a life-style more suitable for princes. Greed, Corruption and vice had gripped the church. It had lost touch with the common people. They felt that the church had become too immersed in doctrines and rituals. Its founding fathers like Martin Luther and John Calvin broke away from the Catholic Church. It arose in the 16th century in Europe in the period known as the “Reformation”. Protestantism, as the name suggests, it is a religion of protest. Weber contrasted this work-ethic with another type which he termed traditionalism. Hard work and efficient work was an end in itself. The attitude towards work was that it should be done well not because are had to do it, but because it carried an intrinsic reward. The worker was a means to an end, the end being profit. The production process had to be rationally organised in other words, efficiency and discipline were essential. Capitalism is an economic system which aims at the unlimited accumulation of profit through the rational organisation of production.Ĭapitalism arose in the western nations like England and Germany, which experienced what we call the “Industrial Revolution.” The growth of the factory system, new techniques of production, new tools and machines made it possible for the capitalists or the owners to earn vast amounts of money. The thirst for money-making for its own sake is the very essence of modern capitalism. They wanted it so that they could use it to make more wealth.

He distinguishes between traditional or adventurist capitalism of former times and rational capitalism of modern times.Īccording to Weber, the capitalists desired wealth not for enjoyment or luxurious living. It is this rational capitalism that Weber wanted to study. But never before in human history did the desire for wealth assume the organised and disciplined form that it did in modern or rational capitalism. Wealth has long been regarded as a symbol of power, status and prestige. The desire for wealth or profit is as old as human history.

As far as capitalism is concerned Weber says it is a huge historical movement in a specific geographical and cultural area.

The protestant work ethic and the spirit of capitalism