The Problematic Capitalistic World of Harry Potter
Class
Article
Graduation Year
2017
College
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department
English Department
Faculty Mentor
Christine Cooper-Rompato
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
According to Capitalism: A Very Short Introduction, the definition of capitalism is “essentially the investment of money in the expectation of making a profit.” If we take a walk down Diagon Alley, we see many stores selling their wizarding products. Consumerism is at its finest when students at Hogwarts are allowed to go to Hogsmeade on the weekend, which is basically the equivalent of a mall. This is constantly one of the things the students forward to the most, and a big part of that is spending their money. It’s easy to see that this wizarding world is capitalistic, and Rowling recreates in her fantasy world the first stage of capitalism, or "anarchic" capitalism. Rowling has unresolved issues with her monetary system, the most important of which are the treatment of the Weasleys, the Malfoys’ assets, the unknown tuition of Hogwarts, how house elves are essentially willing slaves, the role of monopolies, and what denominations are worth. These discrepancies expose what Rowling was and wasn’t willing to consider when creating her capitalistic society, which feels unquestioned by everyone in the novels.
Location
North Atrium
Start Date
4-13-2017 12:00 PM
End Date
4-13-2017 1:15 PM
The Problematic Capitalistic World of Harry Potter
North Atrium
According to Capitalism: A Very Short Introduction, the definition of capitalism is “essentially the investment of money in the expectation of making a profit.” If we take a walk down Diagon Alley, we see many stores selling their wizarding products. Consumerism is at its finest when students at Hogwarts are allowed to go to Hogsmeade on the weekend, which is basically the equivalent of a mall. This is constantly one of the things the students forward to the most, and a big part of that is spending their money. It’s easy to see that this wizarding world is capitalistic, and Rowling recreates in her fantasy world the first stage of capitalism, or "anarchic" capitalism. Rowling has unresolved issues with her monetary system, the most important of which are the treatment of the Weasleys, the Malfoys’ assets, the unknown tuition of Hogwarts, how house elves are essentially willing slaves, the role of monopolies, and what denominations are worth. These discrepancies expose what Rowling was and wasn’t willing to consider when creating her capitalistic society, which feels unquestioned by everyone in the novels.