What Is Capitalism? Theories, History, and Everyday Reality

We live in a world shaped entirely by capitalist systems, yet few of us stop to analyze what capitalism actually is and how it functions. This text-based course demystifies the economic, social, and historical forces that drive our global economy. By reading and analyzing key theories, you will transition from a passive participant in the economy to an active observer of economic structures. You will learn to identify how classical theories manifest in modern workplaces, consumer habits, and digital platforms. What you'll learn: - Understand the foundational debates of capitalism, comparing classical perspectives like Adam Smith with critical views like Karl Marx. - Trace the evolution of capitalism from early industrial manufacturing to modern financialization and Wall Street practices. - Analyze how economic systems influence daily life, from factory floors and family businesses to retail malls. - Explore modern shifts in the economy, including platform capitalism, the gig economy, and digital consumerism. - Examine global supply chains and understand how local labor connects to international markets. The course begins with essential economic terminology and historical foundations before moving into anthropological case studies of diverse workspaces. You will then progress to examining contemporary digital economies and global financial systems through written analysis and critical reading exercises. This course is designed for beginners, students of sociology, anthropology, or economics, and anyone curious about how global markets impact individual lives. No prior background in economics is required. Start reading today to build a deeper, critical understanding of the economic forces shaping our world.