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A review by bookishazal
Cannibal Capitalism: How our System is Devouring Democracy, Care, and the Planetand What We Can Do About It by Nancy Fraser
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I read this book as part of a class. The thesis of the book is that capitalism is not only an economic system, but an institutionalized societal order-- one that 'cannibalizes' itself by destroying the structures and services it relies on. Fraser argues that there are four primary crisis tendencies/contradictions of capitalism: social reproduction; ecological degradation; the deterioration of democracy; and exploitation/expropriation.
This book provides an interesting lens when interpreting current and historical circumstances. However, in my opinion, the text lacks specificity and often resorts to simplifications. Furthermore, while the description of Cannibal Capitalism implies that there will be substantial discussion of solutions to the crisis we are facing today, the discussion is in fact quite limited. Fraser essentially says we need an eco-socialist movement, but the mechanics of this movement and the actual policy changes that need to happen are not discussed.
I would still definitely recommend this book, especially if you're interested in climate change studies and definitions of capitalism. Final note: in my experience, the first parts of the book were difficult to decipher due to use of academic language, but as I got through to the middle and end, the writing was clearer and the concepts much easier to understand.
This book provides an interesting lens when interpreting current and historical circumstances. However, in my opinion, the text lacks specificity and often resorts to simplifications. Furthermore, while the description of Cannibal Capitalism implies that there will be substantial discussion of solutions to the crisis we are facing today, the discussion is in fact quite limited. Fraser essentially says we need an eco-socialist movement, but the mechanics of this movement and the actual policy changes that need to happen are not discussed.
I would still definitely recommend this book, especially if you're interested in climate change studies and definitions of capitalism. Final note: in my experience, the first parts of the book were difficult to decipher due to use of academic language, but as I got through to the middle and end, the writing was clearer and the concepts much easier to understand.