The course examines the current state of the domestic and the global economy, looking at the things such as Britain's shift from a strong manufacturing economy to a service-oriented economy, the outsourcing of banking and telecommunications services to developing regions, and the role played by political institutions such as the UK government in trying to increase Britain's wealth and global competiveness.
In examining these shifts, we will explore questions such as: 'is there such a thing as free market?'; 'where did this belief emerge from?'; what is the relationship between politics and the market system?' and 'how have class struggles changed over recent decades?'
An overarching component of the course will be to understand shifting patterns of wealth and inequality today, during a context of diminishing governmental support for things such as housing, community centres and public education. We will look at different theories for why the 2008 economic crisis occurred in the first place, and the on-going social impact of the economic crisis on communities throughout Britain and globally.
In examining these shifts, we will explore questions such as: 'is there such a thing as free market?'; 'where did this belief emerge from?'; what is the relationship between politics and the market system?' and 'how have class struggles changed over recent decades?'
An overarching component of the course will be to understand shifting patterns of wealth and inequality today, during a context of diminishing governmental support for things such as housing, community centres and public education. We will look at different theories for why the 2008 economic crisis occurred in the first place, and the on-going social impact of the economic crisis on communities throughout Britain and globally.