The idea is to understand the characteristic economic outcomes, the laws of motion, of capitalism as a political economic system. Beyond this, there is very little in the way of prescription. The book does not offer a recipe or program for change. Part I of the book introduces the student to the importance of the survival imperative as an organizing principle of economic behavior. Within this context, the concept of the surplus is introduced and its significance for economic growth explained.
Capitalism is defined within the context of a discussion of commodity producing societies.
The distribution of income and wealth is explained. A classical interpretation of the role of markets is introduced. The political relationship between government, capitalists, and workers is outlined. A transactions matrix is used as a vehicle to explain the structure of production. This same format is used to explain the core and periphery of the economy.