Sunday, November 23, 2014

4. Taking clue from Weber’s analysis of the role of Calvinist ethics in the rise of mature capitalism, discuss the relative impact of (a) economic conditions, and (b) values and ideas, on social change.

Capitalism arose in western nations like england and Germany,which experienced what we call the "industrial revolution".the economic conditions led to the growth of capitalism were factory system,new tech of production,new tools and machines made it possible for the capitalists or the owners to earn vast amounts of money.the production process needs to be organised,efficient,disciplined with hardwork,honesty and some business ethics like saving and reinvestment.these virtues are included in spirit of capitalism by weber.

The Calvinist ethics provided the required features with some ideas like time is money,work is worship,honesty is best policy,work is imp and sacred,work is like a mission or calling etc.thus weber described the strong relationship between the spiritual vision of the world and certain style of economic activity.this relationship was conspicuous and healthy among Calvinists.

Hence while economic conditions made possible the capitalism,Calvinists ideas made it proliferating and expedite its growth.both led to change of society from traditional capitalism to rational capitalism in terms of weber,a more than mere a social change.

Note:

There are four values of Calvinism 
1. Material Asceticism
2. Pre-destination
3. Self discipline
4. calling. 
Elaborating them would be a better premise to the answer though ur answer is correct but specific and elaborative approach will fetch good marks

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