The Protestant Work Ethic: Origins and Impacts

This chapter explores the origins and implications of the Protestant work ethic, tracing its roots to the Protestant Reformation and the writings of Max Weber. It discusses Martin Luther's transformative ideas about work as a sacred calling, the influence of John Calvin's predestination on labor habits, and the ongoing debates surrounding these beliefs and their connection to capitalism. By analyzing historical and contemporary data, the chapter examines the lasting effects of Protestantism on work behaviors and economic outcomes in modern Germany.