The Protestant Ethic: Weber's Model and the Empirical Literature
In: Human relations: towards the integration of the social sciences, Band 50, Heft 7, S. 757-778
ISSN: 1573-9716, 1741-282X
Empirical research with regard to the Protestant ethic is reviewed in relation to Weber's model of the part a specifically religious ethos played in the rise of capitalism. Weber argued that Western legal and commercial changes were not in themselves an adequate explanation. Essential also was the set of values emphasized by ascetic Protestantism: self-discipline, hard work, the careful use of time, the reinvestment of one's gains, personal honesty, creative innovation, and faith in the rewards of a just God. Empirical research has found positive correlations between Protestant ethic values and internal locus of control (self-discipline), hard work, honesty, and belief in a just world. Findings with regard to the use of time and money are inconclusive. The relationship with creative innovation has not been examined. There is a need for empirical study of the relationship between the Protestant ethic and personal religious orientation.