What is capitalism?
Bachelor's degree
In Maynard (USA)
Description
-
Type
Bachelor's degree
-
Location
Maynard (USA)
-
Start date
Different dates available
As we live in the aftermath of the Financial Crisis of 2008, there are renewed questions about the nature of the economic system—capitalism—within which we live. What are its benefits and drawbacks? Why does it garner both so much opposition and support? What are its moral, economic, social and political implications? Is it even a "system"? How has capitalism played out in different historical moments and regions of the world? This class addresses the question "what is capitalism?" from a social scientific point of view, rather than a classical economic one.
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
Reviews
Subjects
- Moral
- Financial Training
- Financial
- Benefits
Course programme
Lectures/Discussions: 2 sessions / week, 1.5 hours / session
None.
As we live in the aftermath of the Financial Crisis of 2008, there are renewed questions about how we think about nature of the economic system—capitalism—within which we live. What are its benefits and drawbacks? Why does it garner both so much opposition and support? What are its moral, economic, social and political implications? Is it even a "system"? How has capitalism played out in different historical moments and regions of the world?
This class addresses the question "what is capitalism?" from a broader social scientific point of view (rather than a narrower classical economic one) and in a variety of ways.
First, it explores the work of a range of social theorists who have written classic accounts of the nature of capitalism. We will consider the historical contexts in which these views emerged and whether or not we find them useful in the contemporary moment.
Second, this class offers an "anthropological" take on capitalism, meaning that we will read a range of ethnographic studies of how capitalism plays out in everyday life in particular settings. Such studies consider how capitalism plays out among investment bankers on Wall Street, autoworkers in the U.S. Midwest, and state officials in China, among other groups.
We will also use the Financial Crisis of 2008 as an ethnographic "case study" writ large to explore some of these questions.
It is possible to get extensions on writing assignments if needed, however, you need to do so at least 24 hours before the due date. Otherwise, late papers will be downgraded a ½ grade for each day overdue.
This class is conducted as a seminar. Since computer use can be disruptive of class conversation, computers will generally not be used during the class. If anyone has difficulty taking notes except on a computer, please speak to the professor personally regarding the possibility of individual permission.
Don't show me this again
This is one of over 2,200 courses on OCW. Find materials for this course in the pages linked along the left.
MIT OpenCourseWare is a free & open publication of material from thousands of MIT courses, covering the entire MIT curriculum.
No enrollment or registration. Freely browse and use OCW materials at your own pace. There's no signup, and no start or end dates.
Knowledge is your reward. Use OCW to guide your own life-long learning, or to teach others. We don't offer credit or certification for using OCW.
Made for sharing. Download files for later. Send to friends and colleagues. Modify, remix, and reuse (just remember to cite OCW as the source.)
Learn more at Get Started with MIT OpenCourseWare
What is capitalism?