| The Soul of Development: Biblical Christianity and Economic Transformation in Guatemala Contributor(s): Sherman, Amy L. (Author) |
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ISBN: 0195106717 ISBN-13: 9780195106718 Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA OUR PRICE: $188.10 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: May 1997 Annotation: Ever since Max Weber started an argument about the role of Protestantism in jump-starting northern Europe's economic development, scholars have clashed over the influence of religion and culture on a society's (or an individual's) economic prospects. Today, many wonder whether the "explosion" of Protestantism in Latin America will effect a similar wave of growth and democratization. In this book, Sherman compiles the results of her field study and national survey of 1000 rural Guatemalan households. She offers persuasive evidence that, in Guatemala and throughout the region, religious world-views significantly influence economic life. Sherman explains how the change in attitude and behavior that accompanies conversion from animism to a Biblically orthodox world-view has improved the domestic welfare and economic status of many families. Further, she asserts that this new attitude, sympathetic to democratic-capitalism, has created a "moral cultural soil" in which freedom, personal empowerment, an enhanced status for women, and a desire to get ahead can be nurtured. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Social Science | Sociology - General - History | Latin America - General |
| Dewey: 305.604 |
| LCCN: 96010378 |
| Lexile Measure: 1440 |
| Physical Information: 0.82" H x 6.32" W x 9.32" (1.23 lbs) 232 pages |
| Themes: - Cultural Region - Latin America |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Ever since Max Weber started an argument about the role of Protestantism in jump-starting northern Europe's economic development, scholars have clashed over the influence of religion and culture on a society's (or an individual's) economic prospects. Today, many wonder whether the explosion of Protestantism in Latin America will effect a similar wave of growth and democratization. In this book, Sherman compiles the results of her field study and national survey of 1000 rural Guatemalan households. She offers persuasive evidence that, in Guatemala and throughout the region, religious world-views significantly influence economic life. Sherman explains how the change in attitude and behavior that accompanies conversion from animism to a Biblically orthodox world-view has improved the domestic welfare and economic status of many families. Further, she asserts that this new attitude, sympathetic to democratic-capitalism, has created a moral cultural soil in which freedom, personal empowerment, an enhanced status for women, and a desire to get ahead can be nurtured. |
