Weber Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is Weber’s main argument in Chapter 2?
Weber argues that modern capitalism is driven by a unique “spirit” or ethos—a moral commitment to disciplined, rational, and frugal labour—not just by greed or material need. This spirit is rooted in Protestant values, especially Calvinism.
How is this capitalist spirit different from earlier economic practices?
Earlier practices focused on meeting needs; modern capitalism requires continuous reinvestment, profit maximisation, and seeing work as a moral duty, even without immediate reward.
What role does religion play in Weber’s theory?
Weber argues that Protestantism, particularly Calvinist ideas of vocation and predestination, fostered a rational work ethic. People proved their salvation through diligence and economic success.
What does Weber say about Benjamin Franklin?
Franklin’s sayings (e.g., “time is money”) show how economic behaviour became moralised. Profit-making was not just practical—it became a virtuous life goal.
What is Weber’s contrast between traditionalism and capitalism?
Traditional workers aimed only to meet customary needs (e.g., working less when paid more). In contrast, the capitalist spirit drives people to work more and reinvest profits as a matter of principle.
How did entrepreneurship change according to Weber?
Capitalist entrepreneurs moved away from custom-bound production. They cut prices, expanded markets, and reinvested—not from greed, but from rational, ethical commitment to growth.
Why is this chapter significant?
It challenges materialist explanations of capitalism (like Marx’s), showing that ideas and values—not just economic conditions—were key to its emergence and development.
What is Weber’s critique of Marxist materialism?
Weber argues that the “spirit of capitalism” preceded capitalist structures in places like colonial New England. Therefore, culture and belief systems shaped the economy—not just vice versa.
What are some criticisms of Weber’s theory?
Critics say Weber overstates Protestantism’s uniqueness and underplays structural economic forces. Similar capitalist practices have emerged in non-Protestant cultures too.
What is the broader takeaway from this chapter?
Modern capitalism is not just about profit or production—it’s also a cultural and ethical transformation. The “spirit” of hard work, duty, and rationality helped shape the modern economic world.
