To market, to market: Imperial capitalism's destruction of social capital and the family

Abstract

The market, far from being the sine qua non for modem society in general, and the family in particular, has eroded the social fiber that gives shape and resilience to the experiences of individuals, families, and ultimately, the market itself. Reviewing both historical and feminist analysis of the family in a capitalist market society, it is clear that the modem market is imperial. Not only does it transform every human interaction into a transient market exchange, it undermines the basis for social reproduction through the family. Using the concept of social capital as a primary analytical tool, this paper argues that the distinction between home and market labor has been unnecessarily polarized, limiting policy options. Thus, society's ability to produce and maintain long-standing social networks is put at risk, paradoxically reducing the market's ability to perform efficiently.