examine the emergence of capitalism paying particular and cl

Capitalism arises from the transition of a feudal society to a capitalist society. According to Giddens this occurs when “a system of economic enterprise based on market exchange exits. Economic systems are based on free enterprise and on economic competition.” (1997. Pg.587)

There are many different accounts relating to the emergence of capitalism. The two theories that are most widely renowned are those given by Karl Marx and Max Weber. These two theories, although similar in some directions, contrast each other in many ways. “Marx and Weber both agree that capitalism is not the best social or economic system they differ very strongly in their views of the formation, aspects and future of capitalism.” (freeessays.cc). Marx believed strongly in what he called dialectical materialism, that is, that everything is materia

Weber also took a strong view point on the emergence of capitalism. His ideas were mostly based on religion, in particular one branch of Protestantism, Calvinism. Calvinists believe in predestination – that God has already determined who is saved and damned. As Calvinism developed, a need for clues about whether one was actually saved arose, and Calvinists looked into their success in worldly activity for those clues. Thus, they came to value profit and material success as signs of God’s favour. Other religious groups, such as the Pietists, Methodists, and the Baptist sects had similar attitudes to a lesser degree. Money earned was not allowed to be spent frivolously, but instead it was to be saved and invested. The protestant values were no longer necessary, and their ethic took on a life of its own. Capitalism is now locked into society because it is so useful for modern economic activity.

Max Weber wrote a book called, ‘The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism’. Even though Weber was greatly influenced by Marx he was not a Marxist himself and openly critics Marx’s theories within his book. His book is the study of the relationship between the ethics of ascetic Protestantism and the emergence of the spirit of modern capitalism. It is argued throughout that the religious ideas or religious ethics of groups such as the Calvinists played a role in creating the capitalist spirit.

The future of Capitalism was also an account that held contrast. Marx hypothesised that Capitalism was just one of the steps involved in transforming society to a communist society. Once achieved a communist society would flourish and there would be no need for further change. Weber instead stated that changes in society were cyclical with no end because we cannot predict the future.

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