The Evolution of Capitalism

Paper Summary:

This paper explores Maximilian Weber's contribution to theories on the development of capitalism. It particularly bases its arguments on Weber's most controversial work, "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism," written in 1905. The paper discusses Weber's thesis that religion is largely responsible for the different cultures and economic systems of Europe and the Orient.

Table of Contents:
Life Influences
The Connection between Capitalism and Calvinism
Weber vs. Marx
Understanding the Role of Religion
The Junker-Class
The Evolution of the Capital System
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"In a feudal system there are no markets. Goods are produced for the individual's consumption and the rest goes to the nobles and King. The capitalist idea is based on the production of surplus. One takes what they need for their own use and then sells the rest for profit. Technology was its driving force in the production of surplus. Crop rotation helped farmers produce more than they needed and they began to sell their surplus in small town markets (Jupp, 2000). Prior to this system, the people were not allowed to trade, as they were not allowed to have surplus. There were laws that prohibited the pricing and trade of goods. Profit making was defined by the Catholic Church as evil and wrong, yet in the church appeared to be able to engage in this activity without worry."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Ashley, D. and Orenstein, D. 1995. Sociological Theory: Classical Statements, third edition, Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
• Baechler, J. 1988. The Cradle of Capitalism: the Case of England John A. Hall & Michael Mann, Europe and the Rise of Capitalism (Blackwell, 1988).
• Bendix, R. 1977 Max Weber: An Intellectual Portrait. University of California Press.
• Durkheim, E. 2000 (1893). "The division of labour in society." in J. Timmons Roberts and Amy Hite, eds. From Modernization to Globalization. Oxford: Basil Blackwell.
• Gerth, H. and C. Wright Mills. 1958. From Max Weber: Essays in Sociology, New York, Oxford University Press.

More papers on The Evolution of Capitalism:

• Research Paper # 128440 : "The Evolution of Harry A. Blackmun"
• Term Paper # 116114 : "The Rise of the State"
• Research Paper # 108488 : "The Penalty of Death - Should it be Abolished?"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: