Which religion lead to emergence of capitalism?

Social Psychology (10th Edition)
10th Edition
ISBN:9780134641287
Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers
Publisher:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers
Chapter1: Introducing Social Psychology
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Which religion lead to emergence of capitalism?

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Introduction

Capitalism represents a society based on privatization, circulation of money, profit accumulation, consumerism, and material culture. Karl Marx described capitalism as system alienating individuals from their human potential by creating a class-based society.

Explanation

It was Max Weber who revealed the relationship between capitalism and religion. In his infamous work, The Protestant Ethics and Spirit of Capitalism, published in 1905, Weber argued that Christianity, primarily Protestant ethics, facilitated and nurtured capitalism's growth. 

Weber observed how Protestant Christians occupied a higher position in the production process, which led him to discover why. Weber observed how the Protestant ethics were modified and transformed under Calvinism, where work was one of the virtues paving the way for salvation. Calvinism played a vital role in supporting capitalism, which is why Weber stated that Protestantism carried the spirit of capitalism.

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