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
Conference Call for Papers- 'Studying Non-Elites in the Medieval Caucasus'
It is with great pleasure that we announce the Call for Papers for the First International Conference of the Medieval Caucasus Network, entitled 'Studying Non-Elites in the Medieval Caucasus'. This will take place at Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Brussels, Belgium, on March 13th-14th 2026.
New article by SHOC member Anna Derhaeg and Kaat Wils (University of Leuven)
SHOC member Anna Derhaeg and co-author Kaat Wils (University of Leuven) have published a new article, based on Anna's Master's thesis.
Call for Papers: Questionnaires in the History of Health and Medicine
Call for Papers Questionnaires in the History of Health and Medicine International Workshop 19-20 February 2026, Vrije Universiteit Brussel Deadline for abstract submission: 15 September 2025 We are delighted to announce a call for papers for a workshop focused on the historical...
REINOUT VANDER HULST JOINS SHOC!
As from 1 July, SHOC has a new colleague! Reinout Vander Hulst will be working closely together with Benoît Henriet on colonial history. Welcome to the team, Reinout!
Upcoming events
Practical info-SHOC seminar with Giulio Ongaro (University of Milano-Bicocca) and Matteo Di Tullio (University of Pavia)
"Unequal mountains? Political inclusion, commons and local finances in central-northern Italy during the early modern period"
Abstract
