Change in the Capitalist Order and its Constraints

In today’s era of multiple crises, fundamental properties of the capitalist order have been repeatedly criticized for the system’s inability to address the ecological crisis, rising inequalities, geopolitical upheavals and alike. Despite repeated calls for change and several attempts, the capitalist system has, since its inception, always found ways to steadily evolve and even expand its scope.

During this year’s YSI & EAEPE Pre-Conference Workshop, young scholars will have the chance to explore the mechanisms, scope and constraints to change within the capitalist system and alternative forms of organization based on three talks and group discussions. The first part focuses on identifying ”contradictory unities” (Garland 2014), i.e. institutions that undermine and sustain the capitalist order at the same time, thus posing a constraint to change and radical transformation. The second part highlights the role of technological change in reproducing capitalist structures. Finally, the third part centers on alternative forms of organization and collective action as agents of change within and outside the capitalist order, drawing on lessons from collectives in the Basque region.