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"The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism", 2005.
This paper discusses Max Weber's "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism", which theorizes on the role of religion in the emergence of capitalism in early modern Europe.
1,930 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 4 sources, APA, £ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in his seminal work "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism", Max Weber provided a new perspective of the emergence of capitalism by asserting that what made Europe or the Occident develop into a capitalist economy was because the majority of its people observed the Protestant ethic as their way of life, rationalizing that people's everyday actions are a pre-requisite for a society to develop into a capitalist economy. The author contends that the development of capitalism in early modern Europe was the result not only of Protestantism but also of Catholicism. The paper states that the generalization that religion had become the catalyst for capitalism to flourish in the continent is supported by the fact that religious institutions before and during the onset of capitalism have dominated the socio-political realms of Western societies, leaving no doubt that they also control the economic activities and institutions present in the society.
From the Paper
"Indeed, capitalism is "a very complex system of institutions, highly rational in character and the product of a number of developments peculiar to Western civilization." Those who are unable to adapt to these 'complex systems of institutions' and 'rational character' are bound to be left behind in the process, neither achieving development nor economic success. Moreover, those who are unable to adapt to this system are bound to maintain the "anxiety of not knowing" and "fear of damnation." Thus, in order to be included in the capitalist economic system, one has to integrate himself/herself to these complex systems of institutions through labor and attain a rational character by conducting profit-making activities. Through labor and profit-making activities, one involves in the "spirit of capitalism" and accomplishes what Weber has termed as the Protestant ethic."
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The Evolution of Capitalism, 2007.
An analysis of Maximilian Weber's views on the origins of capitalism, based on his work "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism."
6,931 words (approx. 27.7 pages), 15 sources, MLA, £ 81.95
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Abstract
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."
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"The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism", 2007.
This paper is a critical review of Max Weber's theory about the relationship of Protestantism and capitalism as presented in his book "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism".
1,785 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Weber believed that the way of life for Protestants, specifically Calvinism, encouraged the development of western capitalism, which he defined as the pursuit of profit and forever renewed profit. The author points out that Weber identifies two main characteristics of Protestant belief, which encourage the development of Western capitalism: predestination and worldly asceticism. The paper states that Weber indicates that such beliefs create a psychological state of mind, which pressures the Calvinists to lead a successful life, defined in terms of money. The paper relates that some critics argue that it was not religion, which encouraged the development of Western capitalism, but the social exclusion of Protestants from professions; therefore, business offers the Protestants a channel to overcome their persecution. The paper includes quotations.
From the Paper
"Weber found "Occidental" capitalism to be different from the "other" forms in many respects. Firstly, there was a lack of free labor in the "others" system. Secondly, household work and business work were not separated, as in the west. Personnel property was kept apart from corporate property, rational book-keeping techniques were used, and a rational legal and administrative system existed, which Weber believed played a role to limit speculative and opportunistic capitalism. Finally, Weber also acknowledged the role of technical advancement in playing its part to encourage the development of Occidental capitalism."
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"Death of a Salesman" and Canadian Capitalism, 2008.
An analysis of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" in relation to studies of Canadian capitalism.
1,705 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at how Arthur Miller's play of 1949, "Death of a Salesman", offers a strong commentary on capitalism's expectation that all persons can and will participate strongly in a capitalist environment. Related ideas are those of capitalism best serving 'human nature' in an assumption that all human beings are decisive; strongly motivated by acquiring success or belongings, and that conforming to a capitalist system will bring rewards. It discusses how, however, as Miller's "Death of a Salesman" indicates, some personalities are not at all suited to this range of activities and also, how capitalism will always leave behind some persons who for whatever reason cannot compete ably, or cannot summon all of their resources for the very competitive approach that is required. The paper discusses the myth of capitalism, as seen in the play, and looks at how it relates to what is happening in Canada.
Outline:
Introduction
Capitalism as a System and Culture
Capitalism's Dream
More on Markets and Opportunities
From the Paper
"In relation to Canadian capitalism, Phillips identified three ways in which the present system has not pleased or served Canadians in, first, the market's failure to provide a level of social services or other social infrastructure for the best or 'equal' welfare of the people, second, its production of social gaps so large that the cohesion of the society is threatened and may very well collapse in immense differences between the income levels and living experiences of the poor and the 'middle' classes, and third, no mechanism in the market system to guarantee or even just promote full employment and economic growth. (Political Economy 20) In short, Canadian capitalism has become rather like its American counterpart that so worships market forces while indiscriminately ostracizing or just leaving behind one sector and then another. "
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Marx's Capitalism, 2002.
A discussion of Karl Marx's theories on capitalism with a focus on the monopolization of capital.
2,850 words (approx. 11.4 pages), 9 sources, MLA, £ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the beliefs of Karl Marx, the co-founder of communism and also a philosopher, revolutionary thinker and economist. It shows how he was a student of capitalism and his seminal thoughts on the dominant political economy of his time (and ours) are as relevant today as in the hey days of Soviet communism and its ascendancy in several parts of the world. It shows how his theories about the accumulation of wealth by the capitalist, the 'surplus value' and the monopolistic tendency of the capitalistic economy give us a perspective of capitalism that continues to make the works of Karl Marx relevant in a post-communist twenty-first century.
Outline
A Stage of Social Development
How Does Money Accumulate with the Capitalist?
Where Does the Capitalist Get the Capital in the First Place?
Why does the Laborer work for the Capitalist?
The Big Fish eat the Small Fish
Competition itself Breeds Monopoly
Political Influence of Large Corporations
Constant Improvement
The Rich get Richer
Excess Capacity: Looking for Space
Unemployment in Capitalist Societies: A Deliberate Ploy?
Will Capitalism Continue to Survive?
Constant Improvement
From the Paper
"The Marxist explanation of Capitalism is based on the surplus value provided by the laborer to the capitalist that lets him to accumulate capital and make his profit. The question, however arises that why does the worker work for the capitalist instead of working for himself and keeping the surplus value. Capitalism, by definition is a system in which the producers are the employees and do not have the means to own the equipment and material needed to produce the commodities. Although in certain societies and cases the workers may be forced to offer themselves as labor for the capitalists through coercion, more often than not, the conditions in most capitalist societies are such that the laborers' own equipment and other resources simply cannot compete with those of the capitalist."
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"The Nature and Logic of Capitalism", 2002.
A review of the book "The Nature and Logic of Capitalism" by Robert L. Heilbroner.
1,184 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 20.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Robert L. Heilbroner, in "The Nature and Logic of Capitalism", struggles with three difficult-to-define words --"nature", "logic" and "capitalism" and comes to some startling, if not revealing, opinions on capitalism. It evaluates his theory that "nature" is the innate ability or power to create relationships and it wields this ability in a structured "logic", the end result, which is a "regime" known as "capitalism." It looks at how he analyzes capitalism not as a "mere economic system" but as a "regime." A "regime," indicating a ruling power structure empowered to make and enforce change.
From the Paper
"Heilbroner, acknowledging and confirming Marx, then posits the theory that competition among capitalists, left unchecked, would drive profits to zero. Marx stopped at this point, satisfied with his theories of the challenges of surplus value. Heilbroner takes Marx further by suggesting that Marx's "factors of production" (land, labor, capital) are not comparable or equivalent entities and produce wealth only when workers act upon land. That is the "nature" of the beast. Heilbroner, then, sees the "logic" of this "nature" as having several distinctive features. The first was that capitalists, as holders of social power, were independent of the state's control ever the means of production, and over the socializing "nature" of the state."
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Capitalism, 2007.
This paper discusses the history and modern aspects of capitalism.
1,418 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 24.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a definition of capitalism and its central concept of private ownership and the determinations of the labor market. The paper documents the various theories about the history and emergence of capitalism. The paper discusses the contemporary concerns of capitalism that include the question of the relationship of work and labor to the means of production, as well as the way that modern society has been shaped and altered by the capitalistic imperative. The paper concludes that while there are many different forms and variations of modern capitalism, the essential criteria of individuality, private enterprise and the profit motive still remain as the foundations of this dominant economic and social system.
Outline:
The History of Capitalism
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The common consensus, however, is that the history of capitalism began with the advent of mercantilism in human history, which originated in Rome and the Middle East, as well as in the early Middle Ages. (The European Enlightenment Glossary: capitalism) Mercantilism is referred to "...as the distribution of goods in order to realize a profit. Goods are bought at one site for a certain price and moved to another site and sold at a higher price.""
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Religion and Capitalism, 2002.
An analysis of religion and the rise of capitalism drawing on the opinions of Robert Heilbroner, Karl Polonyi, R.H Tawney and Max Weber.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 6 sources, £ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper will discuss, from their influence, Robert Heilbroner, Karl Polonyi, R.H Tawney, and Max Weber, although in different ways, how revolutionary were the changes in Western social relations, attitudes, and values that were brought about by the rise of capitalism and its "spirit" and/or religion. It will also, seek to answer, in this focus, the way that capitalism was created from the spirit of religious beliefs an more correctly so, the Christian help to focus the creation of capitalism on the universal scale that we see it now. This paper will ask: In what ways and to what extent did religion, both Christian and non-Christian (e.g., religions tied to archaic economies of gift), oppose the rise of capitalism? In what ways and to what extent, if any has such opposition been justifiable? In what ways and to what extent did religion foster the rise of capitalism?
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Agricultural and Industrial Capitalism, 2002.
A look at the fundamental differences between agricultural and industrial capitalism.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 7 sources, £ 27.95
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Abstract
This essay will explore how agricultural capitalism is fundamentally different from industrial capitalism. At the same time, it is important to understand the dominance of industrial capitalism on forming many of the economic models in the 19th and 20th century, which brought agricultural capitalism much closer to the mass production/commodity based operation of industrial capitalism.
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Capitalism and Society, 2007.
An analysis of the positive and negative effects of capitalism on society as a whole.
1,669 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 2 sources, APA, £ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the definition of capitalism and how capitalism affects the individual and society. The paper concentrates on discussing the value of property and ownership and how concentrated ownership of capitalism is against the benefit of the society. The paper also discusses the success of capitalism and compares it briefly to communism.
Table of Contents:
Analysis and Evaluation
From the Paper
"It is however important to remember that the capitalist has not become civilized as a result of education in ethics or increased awareness of the norms of humanity. If that was the case, the capitalists of the developed world would not be supporting the exploitation of the third world countries under the new globalization policies. The urge to maximize profits, at the cost of all other decent practices has to be controlled by accountability. The democratic process, accountability that comes with a genuine democracy and free media has been critical to the development of a decent capitalist economy. The social accountability, concern for the environment, standards for quality and continuous monitoring of business practices are essential to ensure that the exploitative parts of capitalism do not raise their ugly head."
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Weber's "The Protestant Ethic" and "Spirit of Capitalism", 1971.
This paper discusses Max Weber's methodology and theories introduced in his works "The Protestant Ethic" and "Spirit of Capitalism" that state that Protestantism provided the correct atmosphere for the development of Capitalism.
2,475 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 1 source, £ 45.95
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From the Paper
"Max Weber's thesis as detailed in his opus, "The Protestant Ethic" and the "Spirit of Capitalism", is familiar to all students of sociology, as well as to others of the lay audience. Perhaps his theories are too familiar, too popularized for the accurate and proper representation of them. There has been much confusion concerning the work, both over Weber's methodology and his conclusions. But in spite of all this controversy, Weber's conclusions still stand as monuments in the field of the sociologies of religion and economic theory.
In this paper, I would like to take another critical look at Weber's work, from my vantage-point of over half a century. In my research, I have been aided by other contemporary scholars, both defenders and opponents of the Protestant Ethic Thesis. Their arguments will also be examined, as well as any further... "
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Turbo-Capitalism, 2002.
Examines the concept of turbo-capitalism and the need to restrain the free market economy, using Edward Luttwak's work as a reference.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 6 sources, £ 27.95
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Abstract
Writing as an established conservative thinker and analyst, Edward Luttwak has made a substantial critique of contemporary economics in his book, "Turbo Capitalism: Winners and Losers in the Global Economy". Luttwak agrees that the shift within "free-enterprise Capitalism" to what he calls "turbo-Capitalism" is only a matter of degree, but he also argues that this shift has been sufficient to create an ongoing dynamic of structural change that is destroying lives, families, firms, entire industries, communities, and even nations. Luttwak is concerned by the adverse social impact of a "supercharged" form of global capitalism that emerged in the 1990s. He articulates a form of social conservatism that restores economics to its proper relationship with the social and environmental spheres.
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Capitalism, 2002.
An exploration of the evolution of capitalism and its role in the world's economy today.
1,721 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper provides an insight into capitalism, which, in its simplest form, has been around since the beginning of humanity, but modern economic thought has only emerged and developed since the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It discusses the beginning of capitalism - from the putting out system to Adam Smith to present day economists and principles and it explores the phases from complete absolutism to complete capitalism to the mixed economy in most countries today. It looks at how it has shaped the world and America into what it is today, triumphed over communism and how capitalism, also called a market or free enterprise economy, has changed and evolved with history to become the best economic system in the world.
From the Paper
"The next major change in economic thought was brought about by Adam Smith, a Scottish professor who was the first to scientifically describe the principles of economics (Clayton 18). He basically agreed with the ideas of the Physiocrats, but he felt that more classes could be successful than just the agricultural class. His main belief was that pursuing private gain, rather than the gain of the state, could actually benefit the entire society ("Capitalism"). His book, Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, published in 1776, explained several new concepts (McKay, Buckler, Hill 655)."
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Effects of Capitalism on African Economics, 2002.
This paper is an in-depth study of how capitalism has affected African-Americans since the times of slavery.
3,180 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 7 sources, MLA, £ 48.95
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Abstract
The paper studies the effects of capitalism on African economics through history. It studies capitalism in connection with slavery and then moves on to economic issues affecting the African-Americans of today. It also studies the effects of capitalism on the economic situation of the Africans of Cuba. Finally, conclusions are made about the effects of capitalism on the African race.
From the Paper
"The English colonialism is considered responsible for the promotion of the Atlantic trade and slave plantation system. The profits of slavery were mainly to serve the English economy. England's sole economic position helped the establishment of these colonies. The capitalist transformation of agriculture assisted in creating land less laborers that was available in the form of wage labor in England. The transformation of the English economy assisted in introducing a market for the new goods in these colonies. Earlier, this labor was based on wages and applied in the new plantations in Barbados and elsewhere. British emigrants were contracted to work as servants for plantation for a specific time after which they were set free to seek other jobs."
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