Western democracies exalt the ideal of social equality, but our economic system arguably emerged from 16th-century Calvinism, a religion whose members believed that God showed favor by bestowing wealth and other forms of success on what they called 'the chosen.'

In this quote, Martha Beck examines the tension between the ideals of social equality in Western democracies and the historical roots of the economic system that underpins them. She suggests that, while democratic societies champion the idea of equal rights and opportunities for all, the economic systems in these societies may have been influenced by more elitist and religious ideologies. Specifically, she traces the origins of these systems back to 16th-century Calvinism, a Protestant religion that linked material success to divine favor.

Beck points out that Calvinism promoted the belief that wealth and other forms of success were signs of being part of the “chosen” people, those whom God had favored. This idea reinforced the notion that some individuals were predestined for success, while others were not. The economic system that emerged in the wake of this religious belief arguably reflects a system where wealth and success are seen as markers of personal merit or divine approval, rather than an equal distribution of resources and opportunities.

The reference to the tension between social equality and the roots of the economic system suggests that, while the rhetoric of modern Western democracies promotes equality, the economic structures that dominate these societies may still be influenced by a historical framework that inherently favors the wealthy. Beck is pointing out the contradiction in how societies that claim to value equality are often shaped by systems that continue to perpetuate inequality and social stratification.

Ultimately, Beck’s quote encourages a deeper reflection on how the historical foundations of Western capitalism and economic success may still be shaped by values that are at odds with the ideal of social equality. It serves as a critique of the ways in which religious and cultural beliefs have shaped economic systems that do not always align with the democratic values of fairness and equal opportunity.