Historical Capitalism with Capitalist Civilization

Description

In this short, highly readable book, the master of world-systems theory provides a succinct anatomy of capitalism over the past five hundred years. Considering the way capitalism has changed and evolved over the centuries, and what has remained constant, he outlines its chief characteristics. In particular, he looks at the emergence and development of a world market, and of labor; in doing so, he argues that capitalism has brought about immiseration in the Global South. As long as they remain within a framework of world capitalism, Wallerstein concludes, the economic and social problems of developing countries will remain unresolved. Historical Capitalism, published here with its companion essay Capitalist Civilization, is a concise, compelling beginners’ guide to one of the most challenging and influential assessments of capitalism as a world-historic mode of production. About the Author......Page 2 Title Page......Page 3 Copyright......Page 4 Contents......Page 5 Historical Capitalism......Page 6 Introduction......Page 7 The Commodification of Everything: Production of Capital......Page 10 The Politics of Accumulation: Struggle for Benefits......Page 34 Truth as Opiate: Rationality and Rationalization......Page 54 Conclusion: On Progress and Transitions......Page 70 Capitalist Civilization......Page 81 A Balance Sheet......Page 82 Future Prospects......Page 102