2025-2-11 Political Education Theory Session #2: "What Is Capitalism?"
In this session of our Theory series, we ask “What Is Capitalism?” This session will introduce attendees to the economic and social system in which we currently live and against which DSA fights for a better world. We will discuss common conceptions of capitalism before digging into its essential features, its demands upon both people and planet, and its “laws of motion”--in other words, how the whole thing works and structures our lives. We’ll consider capitalism’s historical origins in Europe, the transition from feudalism to capitalism, and capitalism’s uneven development across the globe. We’ll consider how capitalism organizes labor and production and distributes resources through class dynamics. We’ll think about the role of money, markets, and profits to its functioning. And we’ll consider capitalism’s relationship–indeed, its opposition–to democracy, freedom, and justice.
Core Readings:
- Vivek Chibber - "Understanding Capitalism"
- Erik Olin Wright - "But At Least Capitalism Is Free and Democratic, Right?"
Additional Reading:
When
February 11th, 2025 at 7:00pm - 9pm
Where
Zoom