Financialization: Relational Approaches

This volume explores the ways in which finance inserts itself into relationships of class and kinship, adapts to non-Western religious traditions, reconfigures legal and ecological dimensions of social organization, and urban social relations. It also examines the indebtedness of individuals and households, the impact of digital technologies, the struggle for housing, financial education, and political contestation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 358 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

This comprehensive volume delves into the intricate tapestry of financialization throughout human history, commencing with an original historical perspective. It then proceeds to present a diverse array of contemporary ethnographic case studies, spanning Europe, Asia, and Africa. The authors engage in a profound exploration of the multifaceted ways in which finance intertwines with social structures, including class dynamics and kinship relations. They also examine how finance adapts to non-Western religious traditions and reshapes legal and ecological dimensions of social organization. Furthermore, the book sheds light on the reconfiguration of urban social relations and the broader societal implications of financialization.

Central themes explored in this text include the profound indebtedness of individuals and households, the transformative impact of digital technologies, the ongoing struggle for affordable housing, the importance of financial education, and the dynamics of political contestation in the context of financialization.

By examining these themes through a rich mix of historical and contemporary perspectives, this volume offers valuable insights into the complex and ever-evolving relationship between finance, society, and the natural world. It serves as a crucial resource for scholars, researchers, and policymakers seeking to understand the profound implications of financialization on our lives and societies.

ISBN-13: 9781800739277