Final answer:
The Protestant ethic, articulated by Max Weber, suggests that Protestant values such as hard work and frugality were instrumental in the rise of capitalism in Europe. These values encouraged personal wealth accumulation as a sign of divine favor, which has shaped modern capitalist societies, particularly in countries with historical Protestant dominance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The connection between the Protestant ethic and the accumulation of wealth in anthropology can be traced back to Max Weber's seminal work, 'The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism.' Weber posited that the rise of capitalism was closely related to the work ethic that emerged out of Protestant Reformation, particularly in societies that were dominated by Protestantism, such as the Netherlands, England, Scotland, and Germany. He observed that in these societies, the business leaders were often Protestant, who encouraged hard work, frugality, and success without indulging in frivolous expenditures. This work ethic was founded on the Calvinist principle of predestination, suggesting that personal gain and the accumulation of wealth could be seen as evidence of one's salvation.
While the connection between Protestant values and capitalism was pronounced during Weber's time, contemporary scholars like Greeley have debated the validity of this relationship in modern society. Yet, the idea of a work ethic, though now secularized, still bears the influence of Weber's concept of the Protestant ethic. This ethic aligns with the capitalist ideology that prioritizes individual achievement and material success as markers of one's worth and divine favor.