Weber's Approach to Religion and Sociology

Weber's Approach to Religion and Sociology Weber's general approach to sociology is known as <'verstehen'

sociology; that human action is directed by meaning and that action

can only be understood by appreciating the world-view of the social

actor concerned. Since religion is an important component of the

social actors' world-view, religious beliefs can direct social action,

and hence bring about social change. In The Protestant Ethic and the

Spirit of Capitalism, Weber explores the relationship between

religious ideas and social change, attempting to show how the ideas

and beliefs of Protestantism were particularly conducive to capitalist

development.

In explaining why capitalism developed first in Northern Europe Weber

argues that there was an affinity between religious belief (ascetic

Protestantism) and the ethos of capitalism - most notably in the

notion of accumulation. While other societies, such as India, had the

technology and monetary systems, their belief systems made the

development of rational capitalism unlikely.

Certain facets of Calvinistic doctrine actively promoted capitalist

development. Of particular importance was the doctrine of

predestination and its accompanying salvation panic.

How was the believer to know that they were one of the saved?

The key factor here was intense worldly activity since success was

regarded as a sign of election.

Surely God would not allow the ungodly to prosper?

Factors such as the emphasis on hard work, thrift, modesty and the

avoidance of idleness and self-indulgen...

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...be inevitable. He argued that

religious beliefs and practices could develop which would support and

guide popular challenges to the dominant class.

Otto Maduro, Religion and Social conflicts (l982) also argues for the

relative autonomy of religion:

Religion is not necessarily a functional, reproductive or conservative

factor in society: It often is one of the main (and sometimes the

only) available channels to bring about a social revolution.

Maduro argues that in a situation where there is no other outlet for

grievances, such as Latin America, the clergy become a variety of

Gramsci's proletarian intellectuals and provide guidance for the

oppressed in their struggle with dominant groups.

Whatever the merits of Webers particular theory, many sociologists do

now accept that religion can be a force for change.