The Webs 2

Championing essentialism and deriving superficial notions of specific religious groups and ethnic groups, Weber analyzes the different ramifications in which cultures interact with capitalism. In the Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, Weber looks into the social relationships groups have with capital by attaching specific connotations to varying groups. To some groups, Weber sees them as the embodiment of working-class values (Protestants) and others not as skilled (Catholics). During this period, one may suppose that this labeling materializes a reality that is prevalent in European culture. However, in today's society, such essentialism isn't taken seriously.

Also, in the "Spirit of Capitalism," Weber looks into what he refer to as a "somewhat pretentious phrase." With reference to Benjamin Franklin, Weber examines the ethical ramifications of capitalism given by Franklin's example. Further, Weber stresses that "traditionalism" is a way to breakdown the spirit of capitalism and the Protestantism is the evolutionary step into rationalism.

I feel that Weber makes the mistake in the superficial understanding of relating specific groups to the way the engage into capitalism. With his stress on the individual, it's rather shocking to see him derive a very science based analysis on groups with capitalism without any substance in his critique. Though I can see how the Reformation has changed the social relationship of capitalism, I think it's rather bold to have such an essentialist correlation.

I do find his analysis on Bureaucracy to be pivotal and informative. I would agree with him in saying that "Bureaucratic power has usually come into power on the basis of a leveling of economic and social differences." Capitalism, with its ever-expanding nature has to have bureaucratic institutions to function.