Looking at the past to understand the future
SHOC (Social History of Capitalism) is one of the recognized Large Research Groups of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Our core objective is to study the social history of capitalism from a bottom-up point of view. We conceptualize capitalism as a social process that exponentially boosted material production but also generated structural inequalities throughout the medieval, early modern and modern world. We aim to engage with the interactions and negotiations which shaped these outcomes, incorporating non-human, technological, and subaltern perspectives. Considering different contexts across the world allows us to disentangle the relationship between specific social configurations and the effects of capitalist expansion on welfare, social relations, migration and the environment in the long run, from the late middle ages until the 20th century.
Recent news
Welcome, TVO student Arne Vinck!
Arne Vinck (°1994) is joining SHOC as a Talent-for-Research student. He obtained his Bachelor in Education (Secondary Education Dutch and History) at Arteveldehogeschool Gent in 2017.
Introducing The Foragers, an arts and science crossover
We are proud to introduce The Foragers: Engagements Beyond the Human , a series of talks, screenings and an exhibition building bridges between arts and sciences.
Meet Rhea Mertes, our new SHOC researcher!
Rhea Mertes obtained a Master’s degree in History at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in 2025. During these studies, she developed a particular interest in social mobility in the late middle ages.
Noémi Tomaszynski joins SHOC as a Talent for Research Student!
Noémi began her studies in History at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in 2022. Her academic interests include socio-economic and migration history, with a particular focus on the Middle Ages.
Upcoming events
Practical info22/09/2025 - 11:45 - 22/09/2025 - 13:15PhD defence by SHOC member Jurriaan Wink
Trade in the late Middle Ages was risky: travel was slow, information was often incomplete, and danger was ever-present. Yet the importance of trade generally increased. Why did merchants and sailors continue to follow their trade routes, despite the dangers?
Practical info25/09/2025 - 17:00 - 25/09/2025 - 20:00Book launch: The North Caucasian Kingdom of Alania, 829-1240 (by SHOC member John Latham-Sprinkle)
