Capitalism vs. Love
An exploration of the fundamental tension between capitalist logic and our human need for love, connection, and community. This course examines how economic systems shape our personal lives and how we can reclaim love as a revolutionary force.
Course Overview
An exploration of the fundamental tension between capitalist logic and our human need for love, connection, and community. This course examines how economic systems shape our personal lives including our identities, bodies and relationships, and how we can reclaim love as a revolutionary force.
Who Is This Course For?
- Those who seek a deep, holistic and critical framework with which to understand world events
- Those who want to explore the links between the personal and political
- Those who do not want to diminish their visions and dreams for a better world
- Those wishing to explore the revolutionary potential of love
What You'll Learn
- A deep understanding of what capitalism is and how it works
- A practical understanding of how systems of oppression – including racism, classism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, and ableism – are structurally embedded in capitalism
- A grounded understanding of intersectionality and the common roots of oppression
- A personal analysis of how capitalism shapes your own life
- A personal vision for an economy that would help you thrive
- A concrete, personal action plan for transformation
What's Included
Live Sessions
Interactive classes with your instructor
Session Recordings
Lifetime access to all recordings
Community Access
Connect with fellow learners
Certificate
Proof of course completion
Course Modules
Introduction: What Is Capitalism? And What Is Love?
We establish working definitions of capitalism and introduce a holistic framework for analysing it. We also explore bell hooks’ concept of the love ethic and love as a means of liberation.
Race
We examine the relationship between capitalism and race, and begin exploring love as an ethic, vision, practice and force.
Gender
We examine the relationship between capitalism and gender, and continue our exploration of love as an ethic that can help us transform the world at its root.
The Gender Binary
We analyse the pivotal role of the gender binary for capitalist extraction, and explore love as a vision for a better world.
Ableism
We look at the integral role of ableism within capitalism, and explore love as a political practice, strategy and tactics for radical change.
The family
We examine the family as a core institution of capitalism, and consider love as a powerful force for transformation.
A world of love
We collectively envision the world we want
Conclusion and personal project
We bring it all together and share personal projects
Real-World Project
Learners will choose one of the following strands: ● Analyse how capitalism shapes your own life ● Develop a personal vision for an a new economic system that would enable you to thrive ● Create a personal action plan for transformation
About the Instructor
Dr. Laura Basu
Dr. Laura Basu
Dr. Basu is an independent scholar who writes about capitalism and love. She is a Visiting Fellow at Goldsmiths, University of London, faculty at the School of Radical Imagination and is openDemocracy's former economics editor. She writes a Substack called Loveconomics.
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25 students max
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