Module description
This module introduces students to the key concepts, theories and issues in the comparative study of capitalism. The module surveys the interplay between politics and economics and its various forms by comparing East Asian and Western models of capitalism. The module provides students with concrete knowledge of such variations in key areas of capitalist political economy including corporate governance and finance, the labour market and industrial relations, education and skills policy, and social protection. The module is structured in two main parts. The first part equips students with a thorough understanding of analytical approaches to comparative capitalism. The second part offers students opportunities to analyse differences and similarities of capitalist economies in East Asia, Europe and North America with a focus on the key areas. The module concludes by revisiting the viability of the diversity of capitalism in the context of globalisation.
*Please note that module information is indicative and may change from year to year.
Assessment details
One presentation (15%) and one 3,000-word essay (85%)
Educational aims & objectives
The aim of the module is for you to develop an advanced understanding to the comparative study of capitalism. You will learn key features of East Asian and Western models of capitalism as well as skills of investigating similarities and differences of these models. The module also aims to provide you with comparative analytical skills.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module the students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practical skills appropriate to level 7 modules and in particular will be able to
- demonstrate advanced knowledge of key concepts, theories and issues in the study of comparative capitalism;
- demonstrate ability to analyse the similarities and differences in the key areas of capitalist economy;
- critically assess the strengths and limitations of key analytical approaches
- effectively communicate information and argument in oral and written forms
Teaching pattern
One two-hour seminar, weekly
Indicative teaching schedule
Week 1: Introduction: Comparative capitalism
Week 2: Modes of economic coordination and social systems of production
Week 3: Institutional analysis and comparative capitalism
Week 4: Interest-based analysis and comparative capitalism
Week 5: Corporate governance and finance
Week 6: The labour market and industrial relations
Week 7: Social protection and inequalities
Week 8: Family policy
Week 9: Education and skills policy
Week 10: Conclusion: Globalisation and the future of (the diversity of) capitalism
Note that this teaching schedule is indicative and subject to change.
Suggested reading list
- Bowman, John R. 2014. Capitalisms Compared: Welfare, Work, and Business. California: CQ Press.
- Clift, Ben. 2014. Comparative Political Economy: States, Markets and Global Capitalism. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
- McCann, Leo. 2014. International and Comparative Business: Foundations of Political Economies. London: Sage.
- Whitley, Richard. 1999. Divergent Capitalisms: The Social Structuring and Change of Business Systems. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Hall, Peter A., and David W. Soskice. 2001. Varieties of Capitalism: The Institutional Foundations of Comparative Advantage. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Amable, Bruno. 2003. The Diversity of Modern Capitalism. Oxford: Oxford University Press.