Concept:
The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism is a foundational work in sociology that explores the relationship between religion and economic behavior.
Step 1: Understanding the theme of the book.
The book examines how Protestant values, especially those of Calvinism, contributed to the development of capitalism in Western societies.
Step 2: Identifying the author.
The book was written by the German sociologist
Max Weber, one of the founding figures of sociology.
Step 3: Eliminating incorrect options.
- Karl Marx focused on capitalism from a materialist perspective.
- Emile Durkheim studied social facts and division of labor.
- Herbert Spencer is known for social Darwinism.
Conclusion:
Thus, the correct answer is
Max Weber.