Are you new to socialism? Do you feel like capitalism is bad but you can't explain why? Do you want to develop your sense of socialist politics better with other comrades? Join us for this Socialist Study Hall!

Socialist Study Hall is political education program broken up into 10 classes over 2 "semesters" that cover the basics of socialist theory and practice. These interactive, discussion-based courses define essential terms, explain key concepts and debates within socialism, and provide real world examples that can inform our organizing.

This course is designed for beginners who are looking to build confidence in their understanding of socialism and establish a grounding in socialist thought to become better organizers in DSA.

More veteran members are encouraged to join in on the conversation while still making space for new members to fully explore these ideas.


Session #3: Capitalism in Crisis

As Marxist economist Richard Wolff has often quipped,“If you lived with a roommate as unstable as capitalism, you would’ve moved out or demanded that your roommate get professional help.”

Capitalism is a system full of contradictions, where the guiding logic constantly pushes the system into crisis. But why?

What is accumulation and why is it central to Capitalism? What happens during moments of crisis within capitalism?


Suggested Readings + Materials:

While anyone may participate, it's strongly suggested that you go over the materials ahead of time.

Prof. Richard D. Wolff - Crisis, It’s How Capitalism Works 0:00:00-1:00:00

Fine & Saad-Filho Marx's Capital - Ch. 7 (10 pages)

Who Caused the Great Crash of 2008? (8 pages)

Clark, Foster, Longo - Metabolic Rifts and the Ecological Crisis (8 pages)

Frazer - Crisis of Care? On the Social Reproductive Contradictions of Contemporary Capitalism (16 pages)