SWBAT analyze the social and economic underpinnings of The Grapes of Wrath and originate opinions about how they drive Steinbeck’s development of its characters and plot.

capital (n): assets that can be invested Capitalism is an economic system based on the ability to invest capital and make a profit. Profit is surplus value that is returned on an investment.

This is called economic growth. In order to function, a capitalist economy must be constantly expanding by producing, distributing, and marketing more goods more efficiently. This is called economic growth.

communism (Marxism) is a social and economic system in which there is no private property. Workers control the means of production, distribution, and exchange of goods. Ideally, each person is supposed to contribute work and effort according to his or her abilities, and then receive food, shelter, clothing, and other goods and services according to his or her needs.

alienation of the worker is part of Marx’s critique of capitalism. Marx’s theory says that when a worker no longer feels connected to the product of his or her labor the worker will feel estranged (emotionally separated) from the product he or she creates. Marx suggests that this destroys the happiness of both workers and consumers.