Capitalism, Democracy and Inequality (971M9)
Capitalism, Democracy and Inequality
Module 971M9
Module details for 2026/27.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
The marriage between capitalism and democracy has long been difficult; has it fallen apart? This module examines key debates about this complicated relationship. Does capitalism need democracy? How has the relationship evolved from the post-war ‘golden era’, through the high tide of neoliberalism, to the current ‘polycrisis’? How and why has inequality risen? Students will examine key issues facing contemporary capitalist democracies including the causes and consequences of inequality, post-democracy, authoritarian neoliberalism, austerity, declining political trust, and climate change. Viewing capitalism as political, historically specific, and uneven, this module gives students the tools to diagnose pathologies of contemporary capitalist democracy.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the relationship between different forms of capitalism and democracy, and how this has evolved over time
Locate and critically reflect on academic literature about capitalism, democracy, and inequality
Understand and apply theories from political economy, using critical analysis and empirical evidence, to intervene in academic debates about the relationship between capitalism and democracy
Conceive of and produce a substantial work of analysis and argument, that is clearly communicated and presented in accordance with professional scholarly standards.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (5000 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 1 Mon 16:00 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Seminar | 2 hours | 11111011111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.