Capitalism And Its Relationship To Jews
Abstract
Jews are known to enjoy considerable success in capitalist economies that offer free markets. However, it is also a documented fact that Jews tend towards socialism and have been vocal about their opposition to capitalism. This has perplexed many people, as it is expected that they would support a system under which they thrive. This has led to many theories being fronted to explain the paradox. One theory states that Jews have been oppressed over history in the society. Most of this oppression came under authoritarian regimes that were dominated by one people. Capitalists are right wing politicians who represent the kind of domination Jews fear. Religion has also been put forward as a reason for Jews to oppose capitalism. The teachings of Judaism and other religions do not resonate with capitalism and its evils. Intellectualism has emerged as the main reason for Jewish anti-capitalism. There are many Jews amongst the ranks of intellectuals, and intellectuals usually oppose capitalism for several reasons. Intellectuals feel that capitalism does not give them the due recognition they deserve. Instead, capitalism glorifies individuals seen to be intellectually inferior.
Keywords: Intellectuals, capitalism, Jews
Capitalism And Its Relationship To Jews
Jews continue to thrive in capitalist economies despite being some of the fiercest opponents of capitalism (Kobrin, 2012). It is naturally expected that they should be the biggest supporters of capitalism since they are the biggest beneficiaries of the same. However, Jews have always associated strongly with socialist ideals and expressed open support for the same. This paradoxical relationship has been the subject of many scholarly studies, and several explanations have been put forward. The success of Jews under capitalism has contributed to anti-Semitism in many places as they have become associated with its ills and shortcomings. Historically, Jews have suffered a lot of discrimination in many societies in which they are a minority. However, in free, market-based economy, Jews get the chance to succeed since everyone gets equal opportunities.
There are several theories that have been given to explain why Jews oppose a political-economic system that favors them so much. One theory says it is because of their history. For centuries, Jews have suffered as a minority in the society. They have been discriminated against and denied opportunities available to other dominant groups (Bernstein, 2009). Most of this has happened in totalitarian states where there is total domination by one people. Jews, being a minority, can only flourish in an open market place where there is no monopoly for one people. If one people are allowed to dominate a society, they tend to oppress the minorities, as the Jews learnt in Nazi Germany (Bernstein, 2009). Capitalism is closely connected with right wing politics, which also pushes for white domination in the society. This would put minority groups like Jews at risk of oppression, so the Jews oppose capitalism to prevent this domination. Historically, left wing politics has been the only one ready to allow Jewish participation in public life. Opponents of this historical theory point to other groups that have also benefitted from capitalism, yet they oppose it just like Jews. These groups do not share the historical antecedents of the Jews, so it is argued that history cannot be the main reason behind Jewish anti-capitalism (Kobrin, 2012).
Jews are usually accused of the ills of capitalism, like greed (Muller, 2010). This has made Jews come out actively to try and shake off this stereotype. Friedman (2000) argues that the Jewish reaction to the stereotype is to show that they are generous, public-spirited and concerned with moral ideals rather than material wealth (Kobrin, 2012). The best way to show this is to attack capitalism, the epitome of materialism and impersonal transactions. At the same time, they support socialism, which stands for an ideal society where everyone cares about his fellows (Friedman, 2000).
Scholars like Rothbard (2007) are proponents of intellectualism as the main reason behind Jewish anti-capitalism. Intellectuals tend to favor socialism and the state. This is because intellectuals are not very secure in the free market environment since they, like others in the market, depend on the values and choices of the masses (Rothbard, 2007). These masses are not interested in intellectual concerns. On the other hand, the State provides intellectuals with a warm, secure place in its set up, including a secure salary and some amount of prestige (Rothbard, 2007). It has been established that there are very high numbers of Jews amongst intellectuals (Kobrin, 2012). Intellectuals are usually at the frontline in opposing capitalism, and this is one of the reasons given for the paradoxical anti-capitalist Jewish stand. The aim of this study is to show that intellectualism is the main reason behind Jewish anti-capitalism, despite Jews profiting immensely from capitalism.
Hypothesis
The following hypothesis was proposed;
i. Intellectualism is the main reason why Jews are anti-capitalism
ii. There are many Jews amongst intellectuals than other people
Methodologies/Tools
The study followed the methodology of a qualitative study through interviews using questionnaires. The questionnaire was in two parts. The first part had questions aimed at determining the number of Jews amongst various professionals in the general population. Professionals targeted in the study were doctors, lawyers, accountants, journalists and college professors. The second part was for Jewish respondents only, and had questions on whether they oppose capitalism and reasons for doing so. Previous research and scholarly articles were used in the study to give a background and compare results. The study focused on scholarly material covering the connection between Jewish intellectualism and capitalism.
Projected results
The study expected to find a high number of Jews in professions like medicine, law, teaching, journalism and so on. These professions represent intellectuals in the society. The study also expected many Jews to state that they oppose capitalism on intellectual grounds. An analysis of the previous studies selected is expected to show that many Jews oppose capitalism on an intellectual basis. The analysis is also expected to show that Jews dominate the intellectual scene in terms of numbers as compared to other people.
Discussion
A total of 32 doctors were interviewed in the study. Out of these, 19 were Jews. Of the 40 lawyers interviewed, 26 were of Jewish origin. Only 16 accountants were interviewed and 6 of them turned out to be Jews. 15 out of the 26 journalists interviewed were Jews, while out of a total of 18 college professors interviewed, 10 were Jewish. From this study alone, Jews represented 59% percent of doctors, 65% of lawyers, 37.5% of accountants, and 57.6% of journalists. All these numbers show that Jews are well presented amongst various intellectuals in the society. In total, 132 intellectuals were interviewed and 76 of them were Jews. This represents 57.5%.
From these figures, it is clear that Jews dominate in professions associated with intellectualism.Studies have shown that intellectuals usually support left-wing views on economics (Kobrin, 2012). It has also been established that there are very many Jewish intellectuals in the society compared to other groups (Rothbard, 2007). There are several definitions that can be attached to “intellectuals”. Kobrin (2012) defines intellectuals as those whose careers are based on abstract reasoning. They “sell ideas” and shape public opinion directly or indirectly. Examples in this group include writers, journalists, clergy and professors. A more inclusive definition adds professions that require a high level of intelligence, even if they use ideas that have been generated by others (Kobrin, 2012). This would include physicians, engineers, accountants, architects and pharmacists. People who read widely, think deeply about current affairs, and keep themselves informed can also be referred to as intellectuals. Kobrin (2012) adds that experts are the ones who generate ideas, while intellectuals pick up those ideas and broadcast them to the masses. Furthermore, intellectuals tend to ignore the predominant views amongst experts to concentrate on ideas of the shaky, minority views. These ideas eventually reach ordinary citizens, who represent a small minority in the economics profession. The position of the common man tends towards socialism and the evils of capitalism.
The second part of the questionnaire was directed to the 76 Jewish intellectuals in the study. 54 of them were categorical that they support socialism over capitalism, 18 supported capitalism, while 4 did not have any preferences. From these figures, 71% of Jewish intellectuals are against capitalism. This is a very high percentage and it follows the same trend from previous studies done on the same subject. These intellectuals are usually the most vocal when it comes to expressing opinion on various issues affecting the society. They give solid, academic arguments to support their stand on different topics. They provide intellectual arguments on why the oppose capitalism. They shape public opinion by expressing their views openly. They are likely to be believed and followed because of their good academic background and standing in society. Ordinary people listen to them and follow them because it is assumed they know what they are saying.
The 76 Jewish intellectuals in the study were also asked to give their reasons for supporting or opposing capitalism. 42 of them felt that capitalism was not equitable in rewarding members of the society. They felt that capitalism rewarded greed and unacceptable practices that were aimed at generating profits at all costs. These intellectuals value educational qualifications, and they felt that these were not given due recognition under a capitalist society. They pointed out that socialism was amore just society. The central government usually values intellectuals and rewards them accordingly as long as they are not dissenting voices. 8 of them were against capitalism on religious grounds. They claimed that capitalism went against the teachings of Judaism. Capitalism promotes greed and disregard for the welfare of others. Religion, on the other hand, cautions against greed and encourages concern for the welfare of others. A capitalist society promotes erosion of religious values that are necessary for a fair and just society.
Intellectuals, as they engage in shaping of political and economic ideas, usually oppose free enterprise. Friedman (2000) points out that these were the students that had the highest grades in high school. However, the job market has relegated them below fellow students that were not performing so well back then. This makes the intellectuals to resent the system that has not given them their due recognition (Muller, 2010). An intellectual may be earning a modest salary as an associate professor while his former high school mate, who was not a top academic, enjoys great success selling toys or fast food. The latter earns much higher and enjoys a more luxurious life than the intellectual. This causes a lot of disaffection amongst intellectuals, leading them to resent capitalism (Rothbard, 2007). Since many of the intellectuals are Jews, this resentment of free markets translates to opposition for capitalism amongst Jews in general.
Intellectuals that are not involved in economics bring up the argument of accomplishments and motives (Rothbard, 2007). The main aim of an entrepreneur is to maximize profits. However, the effects of actions are usually harmful, especially to the poor in the capitalist nations (Rothbard, 2007). This outcome is contrary to Jewish religious beliefs that focus on intent, and not just accomplishments (Muller, 2010). In general, all religions expect their faithful to have good intentions towards others, and to avoid actions that would cause harm. In a capitalist system, people do not care about the welfare of the rest, as long as they are making profits. Intellectuals believe implicitly that the economic reward should match the morality of the deed (Rothbard, 2007). The professions of physicians, theologians, academics and other intellectuals are seen to have a high moral grace. Nevertheless, with the exception of doctors, these intellectuals are not highly paid. The view is that they do not get proportional reward for their good deeds as compared to businessmen (Rothbard, 2007).
There is ongoing scholarly debate on the effects of intellectualism in driving Jews to criticize capitalism, and whether it is a sufficient explanation for the paradoxical phenomenon. For example, does intellectualism of the Jews surpass their religion in defining their political philosophy? Some scholars believe that Judaism is the real reason behind Jewish aversion to capitalism (Muller, 2010). The teachings of the Talmud, and other religious books, make their subjects receptive towards the left side of politics and economics (Strauss, Brenner, & Meyer, 2008). Faithful are admonished to be charitable, making them open to the welfare system. There is the commandment against “coveting” other people’s possessions. This might be taken as a warning against greed, the driving force in free markets (Strauss, Brenner, & Meyer, 2008). The argument against religion being the main reason for Jewish anti-capitalism singles out one of the Ten Commandments that warns against stealing. It follows that if stealing is illegal; there is a valid system of private property rights, which forms the basis for the capitalist system (Muller, 2010). Critics of this theory point out that if Jewish law promotes the concept of private property rights, then Jewish criticism of capitalism cannot be arising from their religion (Strauss, Brenner, & Meyer, 2008). From all the arguments given concerning this topic, intellectualism emerges as the strongest reason for Jews to oppose capitalism and embrace socialism.
References
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Friedman, B. D. (2000). Tradition and crisis: Jewish society at the end of the Middle Ages. Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press.
Kobrin, R. (2012). Chosen capital: The Jewish encounter with American capitalism. New Brunswick, N.J: Rutgers University Press.
Muller, J. Z. (2010). Capitalism and the Jews. Princeton, N.J: Princeton University
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Rothbard S. Z. (2007). The Jews and modern capitalism. New Brunswick: Transaction
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Strauss, L. B., Brenner, M., & Meyer, M. A. (2008). Mediating modernity: Challenges and trends in the Jewish encounter with the modern world : essays in honor of Michael A. Meyer. Detroit: Wayne State University Press.
