Researching groups of lives: a collective biographical perspective on the Protestant ethic debate

Abstract

In this article I discuss the efficacy of biography, in particular prosopography, or collective biography, as a methodological tool for analysing and interpreting socio-historical phenomena. Max Weber’s proposition regarding perceived sociological factors that have significantly influenced the development of modern vocationalism, provides the focus. The discussion takes account of existing sociological literature on biography, in particular reference is made to the work of Bulst, Erben, Denzin and Ferrarotti. Weber’s hypothesis - Protestant asceticism as the foundation of modern vocational civilization and the use or lack of use of biographical data, is first reviewed. Collective biography as a methodological tool for addressing particular socio-historic problems, is then considered. This is mainly within the context of Lawrence Stone’s exegesis. In recent years it is in the work of Stone that the approach has been most systematically theorized upon. This is followed by reference to my own application of the method - the research group, the construction of case studies, and the dangers and limitations of using biographical evidence. Selected examples are included. Finally, I briefly reflect on the possibility of using prosopography for the purposes of juxtaposing and comparing the lives of one distinctive socio-economic group with another.