Industry, Thrift and Divine Reward: an Examination of the Ideology and Theology of Work in New Zealand (1840-1992)

Abstract

This study of the ideology and theology of work in New Zealand 1840 - 1992, is in response to political statements in 1991 regarding the lack of a work ethic in New Zealand. The concept of the Protestant work ethic as advanced by Max Weber is explored as a background supposition, and is augmented by an examination of the Victorian "gospel of work" which, it is argued, was the basis of the work ethic in New Zealand. Three time periods are explored within New Zealand history illustrating the contemporary work ideology among the politicians and the people, and reflecting on the churches' position in terms of work theology or ethics. The specific times examined in detail are the early colonial years (1840-1900), the Great Depression of the 1930s, and the period of the major restructuring of the New Zealand economy (1984-92). In each instance secular sources are explored, and some church records are examined, in particular those of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. A detailed survey undertaken in 1991 of a group of public servants who were at the centre of much of the Government's economic restructuring (1984-92), is taken as evidence of the existence of a work ethic ideology among a middle class professional group. The opinion is given that church in New Zealand has evolved from initially supporting the Victorian work ethic ideology of the capitalist system, to questioning its relevance in the late twentieth century but has contributed little to a contemporary theology of work. The conclusion is reached that historically New Zealanders have displayed a work ethic ideology which has been encouraged by the politicians.