Capitalism and globalization

Capitalism’s reach is truly global and is getting faster all the time. This chapter demonstrates the relationship between historical archaeology, capitalism and globalization, arguing that numerous and detailed archaeological studies of localized aspects of the manifestation of capitalism are essential in understanding the development and reach of globalized capital. The chapter begins with an explanation of the character of capitalism and then using examples from across the world discusses various ways that historical archaeologists have approached capitalism and globalization including the application of world systems theory, the relationship to colonialism, paternalism, working class resistance and the impacts of capitalist-wrought environmental change. Given the pervasive nature of capitalism it is argued that it is not possible to do historical archaeology without it being a historical archaeology of capitalism.