People, Culture and the Global Economy (L6070E)
15 credits, Level 4
Spring teaching
On this module, you’ll learn how social anthropologists have conceptualised, researched, and generated new understandings of the human activities that make up economic life.
Studying economic life anthropologically means rethinking concepts such as:
- work and leisure
- poverty and wealth
- gifts and commodities
- money and markets
- the term ‘economy’ itself.
Economic anthropology enables us to critique the universalism of mainstream economics, through which capitalism has become naturalised.
Using in-depth case studies, you’ll reflect on humans’ material needs on a finite planet. As part of this, you’ll consider environments, non-human beings, and care for others as integral parts of economic life.
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We鈥檙e planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.
We鈥檒l make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.