Question 1
Max Weber makes the argument that religion negatively impacts the economic growth of a given country. Weber maintains that devotion to religion diminishes the need for the pursuit of wealth through involvement in secular affairs (Lough, 2006, p.152). Comparing patterns of religion around the world, it is clear that nations with higher regard for religion rank poorly in terms of economic development. For example, Bangladesh and Yemen are among the poorest countries in the world. However, almost 99 percent of the citizens of these two countries have a high adherence to their religions. In both countries, the citizenry is predominantly Islamic. This strong adherence to religion makes it difficult for more of the people in these countries to venture into secular investments that could be instrumental in wealth creation (Tawney, 1998, p.95). On the contrary countries such as the United States have a low adherence to religion. Only about 65 percent of US citizen believe that their religious affiliation is important. This has positively impacted the economic growth of the United States because more people are able to venture in secular economic ventures that lead to wealth creation. Patterns of religion around the world and their relationship between religion and economic growth, illustrates Max weber’s argument about the correlation between religion and capitalism.
Question 2
Technological advances have impacted our lives economically, socially, and politically. It is important to note that technological advances have led to the creation of machinery that has made work easier. Machineries that have been devised as a result of technological advances have led to the maximization of output in various sectors of our economies (Carbaugh, 2008, p.241). For the example, the use of machinery in agriculture has increased the amount of farm land that is tilled for cultivation. This has eventually led to the increase of produce around the world. In terms of social benefits, technological advances have made transport and communication easier compared to the past. The creation of high speed modes of transportation such as air has facilitated a quicker mobility of people and goods across different territories. This means that technological advances have been instrumental in enhancing global commerce. In addition, the creation of gadgets such as phone and computers has made it possible for people around the globe to communicate despite the distance between them.
Technological advances have also been able to influence the politics of society today. More people around the world are now able to afford TV sets and radios. This means that more people are able to access more information about what is happening around them. The advancement in the media has allowed more people to be aware of the political happenings not only within their locales but also around the world. The understandings of their political processes have made more people to be involved in the political lives of their states and regions. For example, as a result of the social media, citizenries of North Africa were able to create strong revolutions that led to the ousting of long time oligarchs such as Murmur Gadhafi of Libya, Ben Ali of Tunisia, and Hussein Mubarak of Egypt. People were able to use technologies such as Facebook and Twitter to mobilize people towards the cause of political emancipation. Therefore, technological advances have impacted society today both politically and socio-economically.
References
Carbaugh, R. (2008). Contemporary Economics: An applications approach (5th Ed). Armonk, New York: M.E. Sharpe.
Lough, J. (2006). Weber and the persistence of religion: Social theory, capitalism and the sublime. London: Routledge.
Tawney, R. (1998). Religion and the rise of capitalism; a historical study. New York: Harcourt, Brace and Company.
