Anthropology

Anthropology of Capitalism, Care and the Environment

Module code: L6070
Level 4
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Essay

This module introduces you to the anthropological study of economic life.

Economic anthropology allows us to critique the universalism of mainstream economics, through which capitalism has become 'naturalised'. In other words, we question why capitalism has come to be seen as the best, only, or inevitable way of organising economic processes.

We explore how people take part in, alter, or resist the economic relationships in which they find themselves. We broadly define such relationships, including the unpaid and invisible care work that makes human flourishing possible.

On this module, we reflect upon humans’ relationships to their material needs on finite planet. As part of this, we consider environments and non-human beings to be an integral part of economic life.

Pre-requisite

This module introduces students to the anthropological study of economic life. Economic anthropology enables us to critique the universalisms of mainstream economics through which capitalism has become ‘naturalised’ (in other words, we question why capitalism has come to be seen as the best, only, or inevitable way of organising economic processes). The module is interested in how people participate in, alter, or resist the economic relationships in which they find themselves, defining such relationships broadly to include the unpaid and invisibilised care work that makes human flourishing possible. On this module we reflect upon humans’ relationships to their material needs on a finite planet, considering environments and non-human beings to be an integral part of economic life.

Module learning outcomes

  • To demonstrate understanding of anthropological approaches to production, consumption and exchange.
  • To summarise the impact of global forces on non-western economies and societies.
  • To apply anthropological theory to different cultural and historical contexts.
  • To demonstrate knowledge of forms of social stratification and economic inequality.