Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism

In chapter 17, the focus of Weber’s point is the comparison between capitalism and religious association, throughout the course of history. Weber immediately suggests that historically, religious affiliation may contribute in some way to one’s economic status or condition.

This argument can be seen through the many differences displayed within the workforce between both Catholics and Protestants. Weber points out that throughout the course history the common tendency for Catholics to remain in their field crafts and move on to become masters within that field is extremely different from a large group of Protestants. Weber points out that Protestants are known for being attracted to higher ranking, more skilled positions, such as administrative positions. This is believed to be explained by religious ideals expressed through environmental factors, such as the home (parental) and community. Weber continues by describing how the religious atmosphere promotes education, which ultimately contributes to the choice of occupation and pursuit of a professional career. Weber presents the idea that Protestants dominance in the business setting can also be contributed to an inherited wealth. Weber also suggests that this wealth shaped the areas where Protestants lived. These areas were more developed and wealthy; this wealth played a major role in providing them with the availability of education.

Rich Protestant towns also developed religiously at the same time. This phenomenon of the evolution of the church, during the same time as the increase in financial power left many seeking reform of the church’s control. At this time, a large number of people felt the church had too much control while others felt there was not enough, either way reform was desired. Weber points out that this reformation would not mean eliminating the control of everyday life, but substituting it for more lax practices.

Weber moves his discussion on to the concept of, “The Spirit of Capitalism”. The spirit of capitalism can best be described as one’s desire to accumulate wealth. In a capitalistic society, making money is an ethical standard of life, which is a want of all individuals who participate in it. According to Weber, man is dominated by the making of money to obtain material needs. Weber points out that, the current capitalistic economy forces the individual, if involved, to conform to the capitalistic rules of action. If the individual chooses not to follow the rules, they will be eliminated. This elimination is seen through what Weber calls, the economic survival of the fittest, where subjects are educated and selected.

Capitalism cannot flourish in a society where people are undisciplined, is an idea brought up by Weber. This is proven through the example of agricultural workers. Weber relates the topic of increased pay/increased productivity to that of discipline. He shows the reader that people practicing a more traditional form of capitalism, when placed with the opportunity of earning more was less attractive than that of working less. Many of those working men often faced the question, “what must I do to take care of my traditional needs.”

Later in the chapter Weber focuses on Protestant asceticism and the relationship to capitalism. He begins by describing how Protestant asceticism acted a powerful tool used against the spontaneous enjoyment of possessions or luxuries (restricted consumption). Weber highlights that wealth can be accumulated through saving, which in return can lead to investments and a spark in capitalism. He also noted that by making labor a religious calling to God, allowed the spirit of capitalism to flourish.