On the Analytical Use of Capitalism

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Abstract

The human sciences have been unable to do without the term “capitalism” to the relief of some and the frustration of others. What, then, can we ask capitalism to do for us? To answer this question, I introduce a basic distinction between analytical and ornamental uses of capitalism—only in the former does capitalism do any heavy lifting. By examining some ornamental uses of capitalism in economic sociology, two important concerns surface: economism and totality. These concerns establish benchmarks that analytical uses of capitalism must meet. Next, I illustrate how two distinct uses of capitalism—practical and institutional—meet these benchmarks. Those who use capitalism in these ways constitute their objects of inquiry as capitalist. Thereby, they establish a basis for posing questions and hypotheses, criticizing existing knowledge, and formulating causal claims. Yet people disagree about whether to use capitalism at all. Thus, I conclude by canvassing some recent debates about the relevance of capitalism and some alternatives on offer. This debate yields criteria to foster productive disagreements over how to constitute objects of inquiry in the human sciences.

Author

• Tad Skotnicki, University of North Carolina-Greensboro