Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-rcrh6 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-24T16:32:58.508Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Protestant Ethics-In-Action

The Emergence of Voluntary Social Work in Copenhagen 1865-1915

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 July 2018

Anders Sevelsted
Anders Sevelsted*
Affiliation:
Copenhagen Business School [[email protected]]
Get access

Abstract

This article shows how voluntary social work in late 19th/early 20th century Copenhagen emerged as the result of several creative re-interpretations of the cultural schemas of revivalist Protestantism as urban revivalists faced the social question. Informed by pragmatist cultural sociology, the concept of “collective soteriology” is introduced as a way of analyzing the Protestant reinterpretations in terms of doctrine, ideals of community, and recipes for action. It is shown how Lutheran revivalist ideas at the same time encouraged, constrained, and shaped the voluntary social action undertaken. The paper aims to uncover a sociologically neglected European tradition of civic action, to contribute to the sociology of Protestantism’s influence on civil society, and to develop a theoretical framework for analyzing the role of ideas in non-contentious collective action.

Résumé

Cet article décrit le travail social bénévole à Copenhague, à la du fin xixe et début du xxe siècles, comme le résultat d’une succession de réinterprétations créatrices des schèmes culturels du mouvement revitaliste au sein du protestantisme, et ce alors que les revivalistes urbains étaient confrontés à la question sociale. S’appuyant sur une sociologie pragmatiste de la culture, le concept de « sotériologie collective » apparaît comme un moyen d’analyser ces réinterprétations protestantes en termes de doctrine, d’idéaux communautaires mais également de principes d’action. On montre comment les idées revivalistes luthériennes ont à la fois encouragé, contraint et façonné l’action sociale volontaire mise en œuvre. L’article met au jour une tradition européenne d’action civique négligée sociologiquement, mais également contribue à une sociologie du protestantisme et de son influence sur la société civile tout en développant un cadre théorique centré sur le rôle des idées pour des actions collectives non conflictuelles.

Zusammenfassung

Dieser Beitrag beschreibt, wie Ende des 19., Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts die freiwillige Sozialarbeit in der Stadt Kopenhagen durch eine schöpferische Neuinterpretierung der kulturellen Schemata vonseiten der protestantische Revivalisierungsbewegung entstanden ist und dies, obwohl die städtischen Revivalisten mit der sozialen Frage konfrontiert wurden. Gestützt auf eine pragmatische Kultursoziologie wird das Konzept der “kollektiven Soteriologie” angewandt, um diese protestantischen Neuinterpretierungen bezüglich Doktrin, gemeinschaftlicher Ideale aber auch Handlungsprinzipien untersuchen zu können. Es wird verdeutlicht, wie revivalistische Ideen der Lutheraner das freiwillige soziale Engagement sowohl ermutigt, beengt und geformt haben. Dieser Aufsatz möchte eine soziologisch vernachlässigte europäische Tradition zivilen Handelns aufdecken, zur Soziologie protestantischer Einflüsse auf die Zivilgesellschaft beitragen und einen theoretischen Rahmen entwickeln, um die Bedeutung der Ideen bei konfliktfreien, kollektiven Handlungen untersuchen zu können.

Keywords

ProtestantismVoluntarismSocial workCivil societyWelfareProtestantismeVolontarismeTravail socialSociété civileAide socialeProtestantismusVoluntarismusSozialarbeitZivilgesellschaftWohlergehen
Type
Varia
Information
European Journal of Sociology / Archives Européennes de Sociologie , Volume 59 , Issue 1 , April 2018 , pp. 121 - 149
Copyright
Copyright © A.E.S. 2018 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anhorn, Roland, 2007. “‘...wir Schmieden Alle Unsere Ketten von Inwendig Und Verschmäen Die, so Man von Aussen Anlegt.’ - Johann Hinrich Wicherns Sozialpädagogik Des Rauhen Hauses Und Die Macht Der Individualisierung” in Anhorn, R., Bettinger, F. and Stehr, J., eds., Foucaults Machtanalytik und Soziale Arbeit: Eine Kritische Einführung und Bestandsaufnahme (Wiesbaden, VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften).Google Scholar
Bach-Nielsen, Carsten, and Holger Schjørring, Jens, 2012. Kirkens Historie. Bind 2 (Copenhagen, Hans Reitzels Forlag).Google Scholar
Balle-Petersen, Margaretha, 1977. Guds Folk i Danmark: Nogle Synspunkter På Studiet Af Religiøse Grupper (Lyngby, Etnologisk Forum, Institut for europæisk folkelivsforskning).Google Scholar
Balle-Petersen, Margaretha, 1986. “Everyday Rainbows: On Social Movements and Cultural Identity”, in Jonsson, B. R., ed., Arv: Scandinavian Yearbook of Folklore, 42 (Uppsala & Stockholm, The Royal Gustavus Adolphus Academy, Almqvist & Wiksell).Google Scholar
Banner, Lois W., 1973. “Religious Benevolence as Social Control: A Critique of an Interpretation”, The Journal of American History, 60(1): 23-41.Google Scholar
Beck, Vilhelm, 1872. “Er Du Hvede Eller Er Du Klinte?” in “Nyt Og Gammelt”. En Postille, 2nd edition (Copenhagen, Axel Schiødte: 115-123).Google Scholar
Bellah, Robert N., ed., 1985. Habits of the Heart: Individualism and Commitment in American Life (Berkeley, University of California Press).Google Scholar
Benrath, Gustav Adolf, Sallmann, Martin, and Gäbler, Ulrich, eds., 2000. Der Pietismus Im Neunzehnten Und Zwanzigsten Jahrhundert (Göttingen, Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht).Google Scholar
Beveridge, William, 1948. Voluntary Action: A Report on Method of Social Advance (London, Routledge).Google Scholar
Beyreuther, Erich, 1962. Geschichte Der Diakonie Und Inneren Mission in Der Neuzeit (Berlin, Wichern-Verlag).Google Scholar
Beyreuther, Erich, 1977. Die Erweckungsbewegung (Göttingen, Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht).Google Scholar
Binder, Amy J., 2002. Contentious Curricula: Afrocentrism and Creationism in American Public Schools (Princeton, Princeton University Press).Google Scholar
Bøge Pedersen, Merete, 2007. Prostitutionen og grundloven: regulering af og debat om prostitution i Danmark i perioden ca. 1860-1906 (Copenhagen, Museum Tusculanums Forl.)Google Scholar
Cunzo, Lu Ann De, 1995. “Reform, Respite, Ritual: An Archaeology of Institutions; The Magdalen Society of Philadelphia, 1800–1850”, Historical Archaeology, 29(3): i-168.Google Scholar
Dewey, John, 1991. A Common Faith (New Haven, Yale University Press).Google Scholar
Dubois, O. W., 2010. Reddende Liefde: Het Werk van de Heldringstichtingen in Zetten, 1847-2010 (Hilversum, Verloren).Google Scholar
Eriksen, Sidsel, 1988. “Vækkelse Og Afholdsbevægelse”, Scandia: Tidsskrift För Historisk Forskning, 54(2): 251-295.Google Scholar
Eriksen, Sidsel, 1991. “Det Andet Stavnsbånd: Et Studie I Thisted Afholdsforenings Ideologi Og Arbejde for at Forandre Mennesker Og Samfund”, Jysk Selskab for Historie, 18: 529-588.Google Scholar
Esche, Thora, 1920. Erindringer Fra Mit Liv Og Min Gerning (Copenhagen, Frimodt).Google Scholar
Fleisch, Paul, 1903. Die Moderne Gemeinschaftsbewegung in Deutschland. Ein Versuch, Ddieselbe Nach Ihren Ursprüngen Dazustellen und Zu Würdigen (Leipzig, H. G. Wallmann).Google Scholar
Forell, George, 1999. Faith Active in Love (Eugene OR, Wipf & Stock Publishers).Google Scholar
Go, Julian, 2008. American Empire and the Politics of Meaning: Elite Political Cultures in the Philippines and Puerto Rico during U.S. Colonialism (Durham, Duke University Press).Google Scholar
Gorski, Philip, 1993. “The Protestant Ethic Revisited: Disciplinary Revolution and State Formation in Holland and Prussia”, American Journal of Sociology, 99(2): 265-316.Google Scholar
Granum-Jensen, A. R., 1979. Baggrund Og Glimt Fra Blå Kors’ Historie i 100 År (Fredericia, Blå Kors samt eksp. Lohse).Google Scholar
Griffin, Clifford S., 1983. Their Brothers’ Keepers: Moral Stewardship in the United States, 1800-1865 (Westport, Conn, Greenwood Press).Google Scholar
Gundelach, Peter, 1988. Sociale bevægelser og samfundsændringer: nye sociale grupperinger og deres organisationsformer ved overgangen til ændrede samfundstyper (Aarhus, Politica).Google Scholar
Guthrie, Thomas, 2015. The City: Its Sins and Sorrows; Being a Series of Sermons From Luke XIX. 41 (London, Forgotten Books).Google Scholar
Haskell, Thomas L., 1985a. “Capitalism and the Origins of the Humanitarian Sensibility, Part 1”, The American Historical Review, 90(2): 339.Google Scholar
Haskell, Thomas L., 1985b. “Capitalism and the Origins of the Humanitarian Sensibility, Part 2”, The American Historical Review, 90(3): 547.Google Scholar
Henriksen, Lars Skov and Bundesen, Peter, 2004. “The Moving Frontier in Denmark: Voluntary-State Relationships since 1850”, Journal of Social Policy, 33(4): 605-625.Google Scholar
Holt, Paul, 1940. Nød Dem: Kirkelig Forening for Indre Mission I København Gennem Trekvart Aarhundrede: 1865-1940 (Copenhagen, Kirkelig Forening for Indre Mission i København).Google Scholar
Holt, Paul, 1979. Kirkelig Forening for Den Indre Mission I Danmark Gennem 100 År: 1861-1961 (Copenhagen, Lohse).Google Scholar
Janoski, Thomas, 1998. Citizenship and civil society: a framework of rights and obligations in liberal, traditional, and social democratic regimes (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press).Google Scholar
Janssen, Karl, 1956. “Einführung”, in Wichern, J. H., ed., Ausgewählte Schriften, Vol. 1: Schriften Zur Sozialen Frage (Gütersloh, Carl Bertelsmann: 135-145).Google Scholar
Janssen, Karl and Sieverts, Rudolf, 1962. “Einführung” in Wichern, J. H., Ausgewählte Schriften, Vol. 3.: Schriften Zur Gefängnisreform; Die Denkschrift (Gütersloh, Carl Bertelsmann: 9-57).Google Scholar
Joas, Hans, 1999. “Combining Value Pluralism and Moral Universalism: Isaiah Berlin and Beyond”, The Responsive Community 9(4): 17-29.Google Scholar
Joas, Hans, 2000. The Genesis of Values (Chicago, University of Chicago Press).Google Scholar
Joas, Hans, 2013. The Sacredness of the Person: A New Genealogy of Human Rights (Washington, D.C, Georgetown University Press).Google Scholar
Joas, Hans, 2014. Was ist die Achsenzeit? eine wissenschaftliche Debatte als Diskurs über Transzendenz, Jacob-Burckhardt-Gespräche auf Castelen 29 (Basel, Schwabe).Google Scholar
Joas, Hans and Adloff, Frank, 2007. “Transformations of German Civil Society: Milieu Change and Community Spirit”, Civil Society - Berlin Perspectives (New York/Oxford, Berghahn Books).Google Scholar
Joas, Hans and Beckert, Jens, 2006. “Action Theory”, in Turner, J. H., ed., Handbook of Sociological Theory (Dordrecht, Springer: 269-285).Google Scholar
Kahl, Sigrun, 2005. “The Religious Roots of Modern Poverty Policy: Catholic, Lutheran, and Reformed Protestant Traditions Compared”, European Journal of Sociology, 46 (1): 91-126.Google Scholar
Kersbergen, Kees van and Manow, Philip, eds., 2009. Religion, Class Coalitions, and Welfare States. Cambridge Studies in Social Theory, Religion, and Politics (Cambridge/New York, Cambridge University Press).Google Scholar
Knudsen, Holger, 1984. De Hellige: Erindringer Om de Gudelige Forsamlinger Og Indre Mission Socialhistorisk Set (Aalborg, Aalborg Universitetsforlag).Google Scholar
Knudsen, Tim, ed., 2000. Den Nordiske Protestantisme Og Velfærdsstaten (Aarhus, Aarhus universitetsforlag).Google Scholar
Kofoed, Nina Javette, 2014. “Performing Male Political Citizenship: Local Philanthropy as an Arena for Practicing and Negotiating Citizenship in Late Nineteenth-Century Denmark” in Crowman, K., Kofoed, N. J., and Karlsson Sjögren, Å., eds., Gender in Urban Europe: Sites of Political Activity and Citizenship, 1750-1900 (New York/London, Routledge).Google Scholar
Larsen, Kurt E., 2000. Vilhelm Beck, Kirken Og Den Indre Mission: En Studie I Forholdet Mellem Vækkelsesbevægelse Og Folkekirke 1849-1901 (Aarhus, Det Teologiske Fakultet, Århus Universitet).Google Scholar
Larsen, Kurt E., 2010. “Indre Mission, Socialt Arbejde Og Velfærdssamfundet”, in I Himlen Således Også På Jorden? University of Southern Denmark Studies in History and Social Sciences, Vol. 396 (Odense, University of Southern Denmark).Google Scholar
Larsen, Kurt E., 2011. En Bevægelse I Bevægelse: Indre Mission I Danmark 1861-2011 (Fredericia, Lohse).Google Scholar
Lichterman, Paul, and Eliasoph, Nina, 2014. “Civic Action”, American Journal of Sociology, 120 (3): 798-863.Google Scholar
Lieburg, F. A. van, ed., 2012. Opwekking van de Natie: Het Protestantse Réveil in Nederland (Hilversum, Verloren).Google Scholar
Lindhardt, P. G., 1978. Vækkelse og kirkelige retninger (Aarhus, Aros).Google Scholar
Lützen, Karin, 1998. Byen tæmmes: Kernefamilie, sociale reformer og velgørenhed i 1800-tallets København (Copenhagen, Hans Reitzel).Google Scholar
Lützen, Karin, 2002. “Benevolent Societies and Homes in 19th-Century Copenhagen” in Jensen, H. ed., The Welfare State: Past, Present, Future Clioh’s Workshop II 4 (Pisa, Edizione Plus).Google Scholar
Malmgart, Liselotte, 2002. “Ingen Skal Gå Sulten I Seng”: Samvirkende Menighedsplejer 1902-2002 (Valby, Samvirkende Menighedsplejer).Google Scholar
Malmgart, Liselotte, 2010. “Frivillig Næstekærlighed Og Tvungen Velfærd” in Hansen, N. G., Gunder, N., Petersen, J. H., and Petersen, Klaus, eds., I Himlen Således Også På Jorden?: Danske Kirkefolk Om Velfærdsstaten Og Det Moderne Samfund (Odense, Syddansk Universitetsforlag: 57-70).Google Scholar
Mann, Michael, 2012. The Sources of Social Power (New York, Cambridge University Press).Google Scholar
Manow, Philip, 2008. Religion Und Sozialstaat: Die Konfessionellen Grundlagen Europäischer Wohlfahrtsstaatsregime (Frankfurt a-M/New York, Campus).Google Scholar
Markkola, Pirjo, 2010. “The Lutheran Nordic Welfare States”, in Kettunen, P. and Petersen, K., eds., Beyond Welfare State Models: Transnational Historical Perspectives on Social Policy (Cheltenham, Edward Elgar).Google Scholar
Martensen, H., 1874. Socialisme Og Christendom: Et Brudstykke Af Den Specielle Ethik (Copenhagen, Gyldendal).Google Scholar
McGrath, Alister E., 2005. Iustitia Dei: A History of the Christian Doctrine of Justification, 3rd ed. (Cambridge/New York, Cambridge University Press).Google Scholar
McLoughlin, William G., 1978. Revivals, Awakenings, and Reform: An Essay on Religion and Social Change in America, 1607-1977 (Chicago, University of Chicago Press).Google Scholar
Ohlemacher, Jörg, 1986. Das Reich Gottes in Deutschland Bauen: Ein Beitrag Zur Vorgeschichte Und Theologie Der Deutschen Gemeinschaftsbewegung (Göttingen, Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht).Google Scholar
Olesen, Elith, 1964. “Blev Harald Steins Program Gennemført? Nogle Bemærkninger I Anledning Af København Indre Missions 100 Års Jubilæum”, Årbog (Den Danske Diakonissestiftelse) (Den Danske Diakonissestiftelse: 5-34).Google Scholar
Olesen, Elith, 1983. “Kampen Om Midtjylland.” Århus Stift, 21: 54-78.Google Scholar
Olesen, Elith, 1996. De Frigjorte Og Trællefolket: Amerikansk-Engelsk Indflydelse På Dansk Kirkeliv Omkring År 1900 (Frederiksberg, Forl. ANIS).Google Scholar
Olesen, Elith, 2014. “Civil Society: A Multi-Layered Concept”, Current Sociology, 62 (6): 812-830.Google Scholar
Putnam, Robert D., 1994. Making Democracy Work: Civic Traditions in Modern Italy (Princeton, Princeton University Press).Google Scholar
Putnam, Robert D., 1995. “Bowling Alone: America’s Declining Social Capital”, Journal of Democracy, 6 (1): 65-78.Google Scholar
Putnam, Robert D., 2000. Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community (New York, Simon & Schuster).Google Scholar
Schram, P. L., 1978. “Wichern Und Heldring in Beziehung Zum Pietismus,” in Berg van den, J. and Van Dooren, J. P., eds., Pietismus Und Reveil: Referate Der Internationalen Tagung, Der Pietismus in Den Niederlanden Und Seine Internationalen Beziehungen, Zeist 18-22. Juni 1974 (Leiden, E.J. Brill: 343-351).Google Scholar
Sewell, William H., 1992. “A Theory of Structure: Duality, Agency, and Transformation”, American Journal of Sociology, 98 (1): 1-29.Google Scholar
Shanahan, William Oswald, 1954. German Protestants Face the Social Question; Volume 1, The Conservative Phase, 1815-1871 (Notre Dame, University of Notre Dame Press).Google Scholar
Skinner, Quentin, 2002. “Retrospect: Studying Rhetoric and Conceptual Change”, Visions of Politics Volume 1 (Cambridge/New York, Cambridge University Press: 175-187).Google Scholar
Skocpol, Theda, 1997. “The Tocqueville Problem: Civic Engagement in American Democracy”, Social Science History, 21 (4): 455.Google Scholar
Skocpol, Theda, 2004. Diminished Democracy: From Membership to Management in American Civic Life (Norman, University of Oklahoma Press).Google Scholar
Skocpol, Theda and Fiorina, Morris P., eds., 1999. Civic Engagement in American Democracy (Washington/New York, Brookings Institution Press/Russell Sage Foundation).Google Scholar
Smith, Timothy Lawrence, 1976. Revivalism and Social Reform: American Protestantism on the Eve of the Civil War (New York, Harper & Row).Google Scholar
Sørensen, Aage B., 1998. “On Kings, Pietism and Rent-Seeking in Scandinavian Welfare States”, Acta Sociologica, 41 (4): 363-375.Google Scholar
Steen, Julius and Hoffmeyer, Henrik, 1915. Kirkelig Forening for Indre Mission I København 1865-1915: Festskrift I Anledning Af 50-Aars Dagen for Missionens Stiftelse (Copenhagen, Bethesda).Google Scholar
Steensland, Brian, ed., 2014. The New Evangelical Social Engagement (New York, Oxford University Press).Google Scholar
Stein, Harald, 1872. Nogle Blade Af Den Kristne Kvindes Historie (Copenhagen, Delbanco).Google Scholar
Stein, Harald, 1882. Hvad Vil Den Indre Mission?: Otte Foredrag Om Tro, Virksom I Kjærlighed, Holdte I Den Indre Missions Lokale I Kjøbenhavn, 3rd ed. (Copenhagen, Indre Missions Boghandel).Google Scholar
Stein, Johannes, 1933. Biskop Harald Stein (Copenhagen, G E C Gads Forlag).Google Scholar
Swidler, Ann, 1986. “Culture in Action: Symbols and Strategies”, American Sociological Review, 51(2): 273-286.Google Scholar
Tawney, Richard Henry, 1972. Religion and the Rise of Capitalism: A Historical Study (Harmondsworth, Penguin Books).Google Scholar
Thompson, Edward Palmer, 1963. The Making of the English Working Class, new ed. (London, Penguin).Google Scholar
Thomsen, M., 1904. Gaardmissionær R. B. Clausen (Copenhagen, Bethesda).Google Scholar
Tilly, Charles, 1993. “Contentious Repertoires in Great Britain, 1758-1834”, Social Science History, 17 (2): 253-280.Google Scholar
Tilly, Charles, 2012. Social Movements, 1768-2012 (Boulder, Paradigm Publishers).Google Scholar
Trägårdh, Lars, ed., 2007. State and Civil Society in Northern Europe: The Swedish Model Reconsidered (New York, Berghahn Books).Google Scholar
Van Drenth, Annemieke, 2002. “The City and the Self. The Case of Girls’ Protection in the Netherlands around 1900”, Educational Review, 54(2): 125-132.Google Scholar
Weber, Max, 1988. Gesammelte Aufsätze zur Religionssoziologie (Tübingen, J.C.B. Mohr (Paul Siebeck)).Google Scholar
Wichern, Johann Hinrich, 1956a. Schriften Zur Sozialen Frage. Ausgewählte Schriften, volume 1, in Janssen, K., ed., (Gütersloh, Carl Bertelsmann).Google Scholar
Wichern, Johann Hinrich, 1956b. “Die Innere Mission Der Deutschen Evangelischen Kirche. Eine Denkschrift an Die Deutsche Nation”, in Janssen, K. and Sieverts, Rudolf, eds., Ausgewählte Schriften (Gütersloh, Carl Bertelsmann).Google Scholar
Young, Michael P., 2002. “Confessional Protest: The Religious Birth of U.S. National Social Movements”, American Sociological Review, 67 (5): 660-688.Google Scholar
Young, Michael P., 2006. Bearing Witness against Sin: The Evangelical Birth of the American Social Movement (Chicago, University of Chicago Press).Google Scholar
Zaret, David, 1995. “The Use and Abuse of Textual Data”, in Lehmann, H. and Roth, Guenther, eds., Weber’s Protestant Ethic: Origins, Evidence, Contexts (Washington, Cambridge University Press).Google Scholar