CAPITALISM, RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY, AND THE PROTESTANT WORK ETHIC 2
Capitalism, rational choice theory, and the Protestant Work Ethic
In the Faith and the American Dream article Foster and Rank attribute capitalism to
social and economic demands of the society and religion as some for the driving force. The
American dream manifests in the Protestants work ethics that is synonymous with hard work and
wealth creation as purposed by God. Thus, success was a form of piety, a devotion to God, and
living into the vocational calling God set forth (Foster & Rank, Forthcoming). Based on the
God’s calling for people to work hard as a way of full filing their and serving their purpose in the
world many Americans who are protestants became economically empowered.
Evidence of the Puritan and Calvinist culminates despite the current political rhetoric, the
centrality of the Protestant work ethic as a core ideal remains intact (Foster & Rank,
Forthcoming p). The gospel influences Americans, and everyone is affected by Calvinist and
Puritan roots even when one is not ascribed to any particular religion or faith tradition. The work
ethic was driven by the need to achieve self-success to demonstrate that one was part of God’s
elect evolved into an individual drive to work harder and make more.
Religion forms an important aspect of consideration in the American society and defines
a key success in the economic growth of the people. Despite having a growing number of those
who claim no faith, the large number of American are believers, and the opinion towards work is
based on religious views. Majority of Americans believed that working was a part of lining as
God commanded. Hence more people worked hard to live according to God’s teachings. Thus,
the American Dream conjures up images of social and economic success through the hard work
and posits that everyone can succeed as long as they play by the rules (Foster & Rank,
Forthcoming). Accordingly, moral and work ethics are enshrined in the religious faith.
