Does Max Weber's hypothesis, that says that the Protestant Ethic gave rise to rational capitalism, explain the economic modernization of South Korea? The Protestant Ethic comprises predestination, radical ("rugged") individualism, innerworldly asceticism, the work ethic, permission by the government to practice usury (exploitation of fellow man), and an assault on charity (once wealth is acquired, do not give it away). / This study surveys the history of Korea with emphasis upon the impact of Christianity as a formative and motivating force in the development of that country's rational capitalistic economy. The author analyzes the effect upon Korean society of this foreign religion, beginning with its introduction in 1784 until 1984, and summarizes its influence upon various major institutions: (1) indigenous religions, (2) family life, (3) government, (4) education, and (5) economy. / The author shows that Weber's hypothesis partially explains South Korea's economic miracle. In the case of South Korea, innerworldly asceticism, the work ethic, and radical ("rugged") individualism (as is manifested among yangban entrepreneurs) contributed to economic growth; however, predestination, an essential component of Weber's theory, plays no role. In its place, patriotic nationalism became a driving force; other essential factors were: Japan imposing state capitalism upon colonial Korea, South Korean governmental leadership's commitment to economic growth, the normalization with Japan in 1965, and favorable or expanding international economic opportunities. Usury, another essential element in Weber's theory, proved irrelevant in South Korea. Koreans had practiced usury for centuries prior to the introduction of Christianity. Also irrelevant was the need to assault charity because South Korea received foreign aid, which accounted for about 10% of her GNP per year from 1954 to 1975. / Although the role of Christianity in the economic modernization of South Korea was not as influential as anticipated, nevertheless, Weber's theory has some merits. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 48-05, Section: A, page: 1288. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1984.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_76104 |
| Contributors | KIM, JIM YOUNG., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 677 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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