Course Image Global Inequality, Economy and Labor - SoSe 2024

Global Inequality, Economy and Labor - SoSe 2024

In this seminar we will explore perspectives in political economy and economic sociology, as well as social inequality studies concerning the present structures and dynamic of global capitalism. We will read important and recent studies on global labor relations and labor migration, global value chains in trade or production, global markets for resources and energy, as well as tackle the anti-globalist measures taken by many countries in the recent rise of economic nationalism and protectionism. Moreover, we will take on an economic-historical perspective on colonial and post-colonial trade regimes, as well as on the emergence and transformation of free trade agreements and international institutions. Among others, one focus will be international capital markets and financial relations, particularly hyperinflation and currency crises in countries of the Global South and the emerging market economies of Southern Africa and South America. Finally, we will have a look on the rise and present crisis of the Chinese economy and its geo-economic position and ambitions. The main focus across all topics will be the different inequalities created and furthered by global capitalism between groups of citizens, workers, companies, nation states as well as between different sectors of the economy. The theoretical interest will center on processes of in- and exclusion through and within the economic sphere.