Disaster Capitalism: Profiting off of Pain

Send us Fan MailWe don’t think anyone who is critical of our government or economic system would be surprised to learn that profiting off of tragedy is big business in the U.S. Disaster capitalism refers to a phenomenon in which businesses, governments, or other entities capitalize on disasters—whether natural (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes, pandemics) or man-made (e.g., wars, economic crises)—to implement policies or practices that may exacerbate inequality or prioritize profit over public well-being. The term gained prominence through Naomi Klein's 2007 book The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism, which critiques how crises have historically been used as opportunities to advance neoliberal economic agendas. Join Jen and Carolyn as they break down the sick economic strategy that amounts to profiting off of peoples’ pain and loss. Klein, N. (2007). The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism.Baumeister, R. F., & Tierney, J. (2011). Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength.Adams, V., et al. (2009). Katrina’s Imprint: Race and Vulnerability in America.Seligman, M. E. (1972). Helplessness: On Depression, Development, and Death.Norris, F. H., et al. (2008). "Community resilience as a metaphor, theory, set of capacities, and strategy for disaster readiness." American Journal of Community Psychology.Solnit, R. (2009). A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities That Arise in Disaster.Dynes, R. R. (2006). "Social Capital: Dealing with Community Emergencies." Homeland Security Affairs.Naomi Klein: how power profits from disaster | Hurricane Katrina | The GuardianThe role of public and private sectors in disaster capitalism: An international overviewCalifornia Moves to Stop Predatory Sales of Fire-Stricken Homes - Business InsiderJanuary 2025 Southern California wildfires - WikipediaPolymarket users are hoping to profit from the devastation in California, betting on how far the deadly fires will spreadCA Tax Loophole Benefits Oil and Gas Companies, Undermines Firefighting Revenue | Truthout