Living Through Capitalism: Resisting Devastation Through Communities of Life
By (Author) James A. Chamberlain
Edinburgh University Press
Edinburgh University Press
9th February 2026
United Kingdom
Non Fiction
Social and political philosophy
Political ideologies and movements
Hardback
208
Width 156mm, Height 234mm
This book explores how capitalism uses and abuses life, and presents communities of life as a practical means of resistance. In particular, the book shows how capitalism exploits life's capacity for self-production across myriad species, enlists us in environmentally damaging behaviour, inflicts immense physical and mental suffering in unjust and avoidable ways, and undermines the ethical quality of life for all.
The best chance to find meaning in this context, James A. Chamberlain argues, is resistance, and the affirmation of communities of life. The book proposes eight theses on communities of life, including: the orientation of communities of life to satisfy the needs of all beings that constitute them, and to the growth of life rather than economic growth; the abolition of private property in favour of various forms of shared ownership; post-work politics; and the need to recognize the interdependence of life to enact multi-species communities.