A History of the World in Seven Cheap Things

How do Moore and Patel conceptualize the relationship between capitalism and environmental degradation in A History of the World in Seven Cheap Things? How does this relationship relate to their conceptions of capitalism more generally?

How do the authors critique traditional economic theories and paradigms through their examination of “cheap things”? What are the strengths and weaknesses of their approach?

How does the book challenge Enlightenment and modern conceptions of progress and development? Which Enlightenment-era modes of thought are still prevalent in economic and social discourses today?

What role have technological advancements played in shaping modern capitalism, according to the authors? Are there any ways in which technological advancement could help to undermine capitalism?

How do Moore and Patel depict the agency and resistance of marginalized communities in the face of capitalist exploitation? What does their analysis suggest about the wider power dynamics at play within economic systems?

Analyze the role that gender plays in Moore and Patel’s analysis. How does gendered oppression intersect with other forms of oppression in their analysis? How does their exploration of “women’s work” illustrate some of their key themes and ideas?

Reflect on the potential implications of the ideas presented in the book for future policy making and activism. Which of the authors’ ideas do you believe to be the most or least viable? What other ideas or approaches might the authors have overlooked?

The authors introduce the concept of the “Capitalocene” as an alternative to the more widely used term “Anthropocene” (See: Index of Terms). What is the difference between these two concepts, and how does the idea of the Capitalocene shape the authors’ analysis of capitalism’s impact on the world?

The book suggests that capitalism has thrived by externalizing costs and undervaluing certain resources and forms of labor. What impact does capitalism have on social inequality and environmental degradation? Do other non-capitalist economic systems have similar effects? Why or why not? How can these issues be effectively addressed?