Rethinking Capitalism: Profit Meets Purpose
February 2021
London School of Economics (LSE)

Introduction
Dive into the thought-provoking world of capitalism's evolution with the London School of Economics! From its roots in trade and innovation to the modern challenges of social responsibility and environmental sustainability, this article explores how capitalism, once the engine of human progress, is at a crossroads. With humor and insight, it questions if it's time to give capitalism a makeover, blending profit with purpose, and how companies like Unilever and Danone are leading the charge towards a more conscious capitalism. Ready to rethink the future of business and its impact on our world?
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Discover how this topic shapes your world and future
Capitalism - A Double-Edged Sword?
Imagine a world where every trade, every investment, and every innovation not only leads to wealth but also contributes to the well-being of people and the planet. That's the dream, right? But here's the twist: capitalism, the very system driving our global economy, is at a crossroads. It's been a powerhouse of progress, pulling millions out of poverty and spurring incredible advancements. Yet, it's also facing criticism for widening inequality, harming our environment, and prioritizing profits over people. The buzz is all about "rehabilitating capitalism" - tweaking it to ensure it serves not just the wealthy few but everyone, including our planet. This matters to you because the world you'll inherit could look very different based on how we reshape capitalism today. It's about your future jobs, the environment you'll live in, and the society you'll be part of. Intrigued? Let's dive deeper.
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Capitalism
An economic system where private individuals rather than the state own and operate businesses.

Financialised Capitalism
A form of capitalism where financial markets, institutions, and norms dominate the economy, influencing both economic policies and the real economy.

Triple Bottom Line
A business strategy that includes social, environmental, and financial performance metrics to measure success.

Decarbonisation
The process of reducing carbon dioxide emissions through low-carbon power sources and transitioning away from fossil fuels.

Social Impact
The effect an organization's actions have on the well-being of the community and environment.

Conscious Capitalism
An approach to capitalism that emphasizes the need for businesses to operate with a sense of responsibility towards all stakeholders, including society and the environment.
Independent Research Ideas

The Role of Youth in Shaping Conscious Capitalism
Investigate how the values and priorities of younger generations are influencing companies to adopt more socially and environmentally responsible practices.

Innovations in Plastic Packaging
Explore the latest innovations in plastic packaging aimed at reducing environmental impact, and assess their effectiveness and scalability.

The Economics of Gender Norms
Examine how changing gender norms are affecting economic policies and practices, and identify the implications for global markets.

Impact Investing and Its Contribution to Social Change
Analyze how impact investing (investing with the intention to generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside a financial return) is driving social change, and evaluate its long-term sustainability.

The Future of Work in a Decarbonised Economy
Delve into the changes in the labor market and employment patterns resulting from efforts to decarbonize the economy, focusing on new types of jobs and skills required.
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