Question

Discuss the debate between Marx and Weber over capitalism. Which of the two views makes more sense: Marx’s contention that capitalism, coming first, changed traditional ways of thinking; or Weber’s assertion that Protestantism, coming first, introduced new ways of thinking that opened the door for capitalism? (2 paragraphs)

Consider the broader implications of the debate between Marx and Weber. Do a society’s values determine its economic system, or does its economic system produce its values? Give a specific example in your response. Be sure it is not the same example of a student that posted before you. (1 paragraph)

Answer 1

Weber asserted that age old protestants had an impact on the ethic of capitalism taking root. That working to provide salvation was the thing which triggered capitalism and now it is an end in itself. Marx on the other hand emphasises that the new capitalism has arisen from the old capitalism. That there is a property owning class and a working class which has arisen from the previous fragmented class and that has changed the traditional way of thinking.  However, weber's view makes more sense as how a class is based before capitalism arises makes sense for much more strong basis.

Consider countries which are in middle East which did not have Protestantism, capitalism is not prevalent or rather not that widespread in these countries as the basis is not ready in those countries. Capitalism is prevalent in western countries because they had Protestantism and that principle of working for salvation.

Society's value shapes it's economic system, look for the case of Japan. It has a very hard working population which strives to be world class, there by increasing economic power. It's society went through a transitional reform when it recovered from the war and productivity and per capita income increased several times because of the strong societal values it imparted.