40 pages • 1 hour read
Max WeberThe Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1905A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Max Weber examines how religious doctrines of various Protestant sects influenced the development of capitalist attitudes toward work and money. Weber argues that Protestant asceticism and the notion of a "calling," particularly shaped by Calvinist predestination, led to a work ethic that evolved into the secular spirit of capitalism.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Max Weber's The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism is praised for its groundbreaking analysis of the relationship between religion and economic development. Critics value its interdisciplinary approach but note its dense prose and challenging concepts. While some find it transformative, others feel it overemphasizes Protestantism's role in capitalism's rise.
Who Should Read The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism?
A reader who enjoys The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Max Weber is likely interested in sociology, economics, and religious studies. Similar readers may appreciate Karl Marx's Das Kapital or Émile Durkheim's The Division of Labor in Society, which also explore the intersection of social structures and economic systems.