Capitalism, Institutions and Social Orders: The Case of Contemporary Spain

Capitalism, Institutions and Social Orders develops a novel political economy approach by establishing a dialogue between the Social Structures of Accumulation (SSA) theory and Ernesto Laclaus post-Marxism theory. It provides an in-depth analysis of Spain's recent socio-economic evolution since the early 1990s, exploring the interrelation between the historical development of the capitalist mode of production and the various co-existing social processes, social consensuses, and political identities. Contemporary Spain serves as an interesting case study, highlighting the breakdown of capitalist activity and the emergence of the 'indignados movement and the anti-austerity party Podemos.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Capitalism, Institutions, and Social Orders presents a groundbreaking political economy approach by engaging in a dialogue between the Social Structures of Accumulation (SSA) theory and Ernesto Laclaus' post-Marxism theory. Through this synthesis, the book offers a comprehensive analysis of Spain's recent socio-economic evolution since the early 1990s.

The book establishes a theoretical framework that enables the appraisal of capitalist dynamics in conjunction with their relationship to the institutional environment that surrounds and structures them. This exploration aims to investigate the interconnection between the historical development of the capitalist mode of production and the diverse co-existing social processes, social consensuses, and political identities.

Contemporary Spain serves as an intriguing case study, as it had exhibited an impressive macroeconomic record, supported by various contradictory social processes, including a substantial real estate bubble, an increase in private indebtedness, and a decline in the manufacturing sector. However, the accumulation of internal imbalances during those years ultimately led to the sudden disintegration of this institutional and social environment in the years following 2008, resulting in a breakdown of capitalist activity accompanied by widespread social contestation.

The book also delves into the subsequent political landscape, encompassing the emergence of the 'indignados movement' and the anti-austerity party Podemos. This work holds significant interest for scholars engaged in critical political economy and discourse-theory, critical theorists in general, and social scientists who are concerned with the recent Spanish experience.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367567224