Max Weber

Max Weber was a German political economist and sociologist who is considered to be one of the founders of the modern study of sociology and public administration. Throughout this paper I will discuss his “Protestant Ethic” and how it relates to capitalism.

Weber’s ideas regarding this subject were proposed in an essay he wrote titled The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. This is also the work he is most famous for. It is in this essay that Weber suggests the Puritan ethic and ideas had a direct influence on the creation of capitalism. He defined the “spirit of capitalism” as the rational pursuit of economic gain. Weber stated that the “entrepreneurs” of capitalism could not create that system alone. They did; however, have to overcome the natural tendency to view work as a burden especially when it exceeded in providing for a modest life.

After defining the “spirit of capitalism” Weber agued that there were many reasons for tracing the origins to the “Protestant Reformation.” Weber was able to show that certain Protestant ideals, such as Calvinism, also favored the rational pursuit of economic gain. According to Weber it was not practically the goal of the religious beliefs but a byproduct. Basically the inherent logic of those doctrines and the advice based upon them both directly and indirectly encouraged planning and self-denial in the pursuit of economic gain. The term “Protestant Work Ethic” refers to the belief in the necessity of constant labor as part of one’s faith and personal salvation.

In my opinion this concept applies more to our society today then ever before. We live in a world full of advertisements telling us that we need certain material items in order to be happy. I think this idea or belief system applies more to the poor then the rich. Just think about it. How many people work so hard to obtain that new car, big house, or other expensive items that they really don’t need. And when or if they finally get the items what tends to happen? The individual decides they want a newer car, bigger house, or what ever else they feel will give that feeling of instant gratification. The frame of mind seems to be that if I have these material things I must be a good person because hard work is required in some form to obtain them.
I may not totally agree with everything Weber proposed, but I do see a connection between basic religious beliefs and our hunger for economic gain. All religions I am familiar with teach one basic message which is if you work hard and do good things you’ll be rewarded in some way or with heaven. Many people apparently apply this same idea to their work ethics. I also fell that many people find security in this idea because it basically proposes that our destiny is in our own hands. This can give people a since of control and security because they believe as long as they work hard, good things will come to them. Basically what I am proposing is that this way of thinking gives people a form of measure and a sense of direction. It is similar to saying A+B=C, or another words hard work (sacrifice) plus accomplishment (economic gain) equals reward (salvation).

Max Weber’s thoughts and ideas regarding the “Protestant Ethic” were, for the most part, true and accurate as far as I am concerned. This theory seems to apply more to the poor or lower class then the rich, but still has some affect on the entire society. A better understanding of these ideas will help us to better understand ourselves and our where our values come from.