Key Takeaways
1. Capitalism's core contradictions fuel social movements and resistance
"The contradictions that exist within a set of capitalist social relations in the production process lead to a fundamental antagonism between capital and labor."
Exploitation drives conflict. The basic contradiction in capitalism is the exploitative relationship between capital and labor. This leads to "old social movements" focused on labor conditions, wages, and workers' rights. As capital seeks to maximize profits, it inevitably comes into conflict with workers' interests.
Destroying conditions of production. A second contradiction arises as capitalism tends to destroy its own conditions of production: the natural environment, public infrastructure, and labor power. This leads to "new social movements" like environmentalism, civil rights, and feminism. These movements go beyond but remain connected to class struggle.
Constant contestation. The struggle over common sense and social change is continual, with both progressive and regressive forces pushing their worldviews. Social movements must contend with deeply ingrained beliefs and practices to effect change, making the battle for hegemony a crucial aspect of political power.
2. Neoliberalism emerged as a response to economic crises, reshaping global politics
"Neoliberalism is a theory of political economic practices that proposes that human well-being can best be advanced by liberating individual entrepreneurial freedoms and skills within an institutional framework characterized by strong private property rights, free markets, and free trade."
Crisis and response. Neoliberalism arose in the 1970s as a response to falling profit rates and economic instability. It sought to reverse the gains made by labor and social movements in the post-World War II era. Key policies include:
- Deregulation of industries and financial markets
- Privatization of public services and assets
- Weakening of labor unions and workers' rights
- Tax cuts for businesses and the wealthy
- Reduction of social welfare programs
Global transformation. Neoliberal policies spread globally through institutions like the IMF and World Bank, often imposed on developing countries as conditions for loans. This led to:
- Increased economic inequality within and between nations
- Erosion of democratic control over economic decisions
- Growth of multinational corporations and financial institutions
- Intensified exploitation of natural resources and labor
3. Environmental destruction and militarism are inherent to capitalist expansion
"Driven by competition, decisions do not depend on the good or ill will of the individual. Free competition brings out the inherent laws of capitalist production in the shape of external coercive laws having power over every individual capitalist."
Ecological crisis. Capitalism's need for constant growth and profit maximization leads to severe environmental consequences:
- Depletion of natural resources
- Pollution and climate change
- Loss of biodiversity
- Destruction of ecosystems
Military-industrial complex. The drive for new markets and resources often involves military intervention and imperialism:
- Wars for control of strategic resources (e.g., oil)
- Arms industry profiting from conflict
- Military spending diverting resources from social needs
- Use of force to suppress resistance to capitalist expansion
Interconnected issues. Environmental destruction and militarism are deeply intertwined, with wars often fought over resources and climate change exacerbating global conflicts.
4. Media and intellectual elites often reinforce hegemonic common sense
"Leaders, with the aid of technicians in the field who have specialized in utilizing the channels of communication, have been able to accomplish purposefully and scientifically what we have termed 'the engineering of consent.'"
Manufacturing consent. Mass media, often controlled by a small number of corporations, play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and maintaining the status quo. This involves:
- Framing issues in ways that benefit elite interests
- Marginalizing dissenting voices and perspectives
- Promoting consumerism and individualism
Intellectual gatekeepers. Many academics and think tanks produce research and analysis that supports neoliberal policies and capitalist ideology:
- Economists promoting "free market" solutions
- Political scientists emphasizing limited government
- Historians downplaying class struggle and social movements
Alternative voices. Critical intellectuals and independent media challenge dominant narratives, but often face significant obstacles in reaching a wide audience.
5. Democracy erodes as wealth and power concentrate under neoliberalism
"There is no longer fear of excessive democracy."
Plutocracy ascendant. As wealth becomes increasingly concentrated, the political system becomes more responsive to the interests of the wealthy:
- Campaign finance laws favoring big donors
- Lobbying by powerful industries
- Revolving door between government and corporate sectors
Voter suppression. Efforts to restrict voting rights, particularly for marginalized communities, further erode democratic participation:
- Strict voter ID laws
- Gerrymandering
- Closing polling locations in poor and minority areas
Technocratic governance. Important economic decisions are increasingly made by unelected bodies like central banks and trade organizations, removing them from democratic control.
6. Primitive accumulation and dispossession continue in modern forms
"Accumulation by dispossession" is the term used to describe the continuation of primitive accumulation in modern capitalism.
Ongoing process. While often associated with the historical origins of capitalism, processes of dispossession continue today:
- Privatization of public assets and services
- Enclosure of common resources (e.g., water, land)
- Intellectual property regimes restricting access to knowledge
- Financial crises leading to foreclosures and asset seizures
Global dimensions. Accumulation by dispossession often occurs across national borders:
- Land grabs in developing countries
- Structural adjustment programs imposing privatization
- Debt as a mechanism of control and resource extraction
Resistance movements. Communities and social movements resist these processes through various means:
- Land occupations and reclamations
- Campaigns against privatization
- Alternative economic models (e.g., cooperatives, commons)
7. Social movements challenge the status quo but face powerful opposition
"Class struggles must end in either a revolutionary constitution of society at large, or the common ruin of the contending classes."
Diverse tactics. Social movements employ a range of strategies to effect change:
- Mass protests and direct action
- Electoral campaigns and policy advocacy
- Alternative institutions and prefigurative politics
- Education and consciousness-raising
State repression. Movements challenging existing power structures often face violent suppression:
- Police brutality against protesters
- Surveillance and infiltration of activist groups
- Criminalization of dissent
Co-optation and reform. Elites may attempt to neutralize movements by incorporating some demands while preserving core power structures:
- Superficial policy changes
- Symbolic representation without substantive change
- Channeling energy into "acceptable" forms of activism
8. Technological solutions alone cannot solve capitalism's contradictions
"It doesn't mean the problem is solved."
Tech as panacea. Many propose technological fixes to environmental and social problems without addressing underlying systemic issues:
- Geoengineering to address climate change
- Automation as a solution to labor issues
- Big data and AI for social planning
Limitations and risks. Technological solutions often:
- Fail to address root causes of problems
- Create new, unforeseen consequences
- Exacerbate existing inequalities
- Increase corporate control and surveillance
Socio-technical approach. Effective solutions require combining technological innovation with social, political, and economic transformation.
9. Alternative economic models emphasize worker control and sustainability
"The alternative that we're thinking about is an economy that's run by the producers, that is the workers themselves, through a democratization of the workplace."
Worker ownership. Various models of worker-controlled enterprises offer alternatives to capitalist firms:
- Worker cooperatives
- Self-managed enterprises
- Participatory economics
Economic democracy. Extending democratic principles to the economic sphere involves:
- Workplace democracy and self-management
- Community control over local resources and development
- Participatory budgeting and planning
Ecological sustainability. Alternative models often prioritize environmental concerns:
- Degrowth and steady-state economics
- Circular economy principles
- Local and regenerative production
Challenges. These alternatives face significant obstacles in a capitalist-dominated global economy, but provide important examples and experiments in building a more just and sustainable future.
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FAQ
What's Consequences of Capitalism about?
- Systemic Issues: The book examines the interconnected crises of capitalism, such as militarism, environmental degradation, and social inequality, linking them to systemic causes.
- Common Sense: It discusses how capitalist realism shapes societal beliefs, often obscuring the connections between various social issues.
- Resistance and Change: The authors highlight the importance of social movements and collective action in addressing capitalism's consequences, inspiring readers to envision a more equitable society.
Why should I read Consequences of Capitalism?
- Timely Relevance: The book provides critical insights into global crises like economic inequality and climate change, encouraging readers to think critically about the status quo.
- Educational Resource: Based on a University of Arizona course, it combines theoretical frameworks with real-world examples to explain complex social, political, and economic dynamics.
- Call to Action: It motivates readers to engage in activism and coalition-building, helping them understand systemic roots to better organize for justice.
What are the key takeaways of Consequences of Capitalism?
- Interconnected Crises: Issues like militarism, environmental destruction, and social inequality are interconnected, and understanding these linkages is crucial for effective activism.
- Role of Common Sense: Capitalist realism shapes our understanding of the world, often leading to complacency. Challenging this is essential for envisioning alternatives.
- Importance of Resistance: Social movements and collective action are significant in challenging oppressive systems, encouraging readers to recognize their power for change.
What is capitalist realism as defined in Consequences of Capitalism?
- Dominant Worldview: Capitalist realism suggests there are no viable alternatives to capitalism, framing it as the only logical societal organization.
- Cultural Implications: It influences perceptions of societal roles, often leading to acceptance of inequality and environmental degradation as inevitable.
- Need for Alternatives: Recognizing and challenging capitalist realism is essential for fostering new ideas and movements for systemic change.
How does Consequences of Capitalism connect capitalism to militarism?
- Historical Context: Capitalism has historically relied on militarism and imperialism to expand markets and secure resources, rooted in colonial practices.
- Economic Motivations: The need for constant capital accumulation drives militaristic policies, often justifying military action for economic security.
- Social Consequences: Militarization perpetuates fear and division, distracting from economic inequalities and injustices perpetuated by capitalism.
What are the environmental consequences of capitalism discussed in Consequences of Capitalism?
- Resource Exploitation: Capitalism's profit drive leads to over-extraction of resources and environmental degradation, threatening ecosystems and contributing to climate change.
- Externalization of Costs: Environmental costs are often externalized, with negative impacts borne by society and the planet rather than producers.
- Need for Sustainable Practices: The authors advocate for systemic changes prioritizing sustainability and environmental justice, recognizing nature's intrinsic value.
What role do social movements play in Consequences of Capitalism?
- Catalysts for Change: Social movements are essential for challenging the status quo and advocating for justice, mobilizing collective action and raising awareness.
- Building Coalitions: Diverse movements must find common ground to address interconnected crises, amplifying voices and creating a unified front against oppression.
- Historical Examples: The book provides examples of successful social movements, illustrating the power of collective action and inspiring contemporary activists.
What is neoliberalism as defined in Consequences of Capitalism?
- Economic Philosophy: Neoliberalism advocates for individual entrepreneurial freedoms and strong private property rights, often at the expense of public goods.
- Role of the State: The state creates a framework supporting these freedoms, prioritizing market creation in areas traditionally considered public goods.
- Social Consequences: Neoliberal policies lead to increased inequality and weakened social safety nets, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.
How does Consequences of Capitalism address the concept of "rationale vs. pretext"?
- Definition of Terms: "Rationale" refers to publicly stated reasons for actions, while "pretext" refers to underlying motives often concealed.
- Historical Analysis: The book provides examples where rationales for actions diverge from actual motives, revealing patterns of deception.
- Implications for Policy: Understanding this distinction encourages critical evaluation of motivations behind government and corporate actions.
What alternatives to capitalism does Consequences of Capitalism propose?
- Democratization of the Workplace: The authors advocate for worker-run economies, emphasizing democratic decision-making in production processes.
- Focus on Use Value: Production should prioritize use value over exchange value, benefiting society rather than just profits.
- Social and Environmental Justice: The book calls for reimagining economic systems prioritizing equity and sustainability, challenging capitalist practices.
How does Consequences of Capitalism relate to current global issues?
- Globalization and Inequality: The rise of neoliberalism and globalization is linked to increasing global inequality, benefiting the wealthy disproportionately.
- Environmental Crisis: The book emphasizes the urgent need to address climate change and environmental degradation as direct consequences of capitalist practices.
- Political Movements: It highlights the rise of social movements advocating for change, suggesting collective action is necessary to confront systemic issues.
What are the best quotes from Consequences of Capitalism and what do they mean?
- "The need of a constantly expanding market for its products chases the bourgeoisie over the whole surface of the globe.": This encapsulates capitalism's relentless pursuit of profit, often at marginalized communities' and the environment's expense.
- "It is now easier to imagine the end of the world than to imagine the end of capitalism.": Reflects capitalist realism's pervasive influence, making it difficult to envision alternatives to the current system.
- "Common sense is a field of struggle and contestation.": Highlights that prevailing beliefs are not fixed but subject to challenge and change, underscoring the importance of questioning accepted norms.
Review Summary
Consequences of Capitalism receives high praise for its insightful analysis of capitalism's impacts. Readers appreciate Chomsky and Waterstone's clear explanations of complex topics, including militarism, environmental issues, and neoliberalism. The book's historical context and critique of U.S. policies are particularly valued. Some find the lecture format repetitive, while others enjoy its accessibility. Many readers describe the book as eye-opening and thought-provoking, though some wish for more concrete solutions. Overall, it's considered an important read for understanding modern capitalism's consequences.
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