Anthropology of Capitalism (L6070)
Anthropology of Capitalism, Care and the Environment
Module L6070
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 4
Module Outline
This module introduces students to the anthropological study of economic life. Economic anthropology enables 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). The module is interested in how people participate in, alter, or resist the economics relationships in which they find themselves, defining such relationships broadly to include 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, considering 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.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (2500 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 2 Tue 16:00 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 2 hours | 10101010101 |
| Spring Semester | Seminar | 2 hours | 01010101010 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Rebecca Prentice
Convenor
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Miss Susan Chater
Assess convenor
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Dr James McMurray
Assess convenor
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