Racial Capitalism: Understanding Race, Economics, and Identity

Do you want to move beyond simple descriptions of inequality and understand the deep, historical structures that link race and economic exploitation? This course introduces the foundational theory of racial capitalism and its specific effects on identity and social life. By the end of this course, you will be able to identify, define, and critically analyze the mechanisms of racial capitalism across various historical and contemporary contexts, equipping you with a powerful lens for social analysis. What you'll learn: * Define the core principles of racial capitalism and its historical origins. * Understand the relationship between colonialism, slavery, and modern economic policies. * Analyze how housing, labor, and carceral systems are structured by racialized economic logic. * Examine the theoretical concept of the "crisis of Black masculinity" and its sociological implications. * Apply intersectional frameworks to contemporary issues like the gig economy and digital platform labor. * Practice reading and interpreting foundational texts in critical race theory and political economy. We begin with key terminology and historical context, moving systematically through foundational theoretical texts. The course then applies these concepts to modern social phenomena and policy discussions. This course is designed for absolute beginners interested in sociology, critical race theory, political economy, and urban studies. No prior knowledge of economic theory or critical theory is required. Start building your critical toolkit for understanding systemic inequality today.