Social reproduction has in recent years taken its rightful place at the very centre of debates and analysis about the current interlocking crises, including COVID-19, economic inequalities and failed neoliberal developmentalism. A key element in the reproduction of the capitalist system, social reproduction is undertaken by three major institutions, namely the household, the state and the markets. In this episode, we speak with Lyn Ossome, who has done outstanding work on social reproduction in agrarian studies. Lyn challenges us to understand capitalism beyond direct exploitation and look at other dimensions of capitalism to grasp the realities of the expendable surplus population in urban and rural areas

Social reproduction, capitalist exploitation and the surplus population

In this episode  we continue our discussion with Yan Hariong, exploring China's 'Going Out policy.' Our guest delves into the intricate linkages between China and other developing countries, highlighting concerns regarding the rebalancing of global geopolitical power. With China's surplus capacity and its reliance on export markets for development, we witness a new geopolitical moment amidst the expansion of the BRICS alliance. The context of China's global engagement intersects with neoliberalism, a framework historically imposed by Western institutions. However, the emergence of China as a major player challenges conventional expectations. Examining China's involvement in Africa, we consider whether its actions amount to neocolonialism or simply reflect participation in global capitalism, offering investment opportunities that may be more appealing to African nations.

China’s ‘Going Out’ Policy And Global Agrarian Change

The Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) is an independent Policy Research Institute within the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of the Western Cape.

Social reproduction, capitalist exploitation and the surplus population

PLAAS

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