Critical introduction

The chapter explains what is rentierism and why it matters. It examines the different forms of rent, and their damaging impact on society and economy. Despite causing harm, rentierism is legitimised and sustained through political, legal and cultural forces. A moral economic critique of rentier capitalism is offered, in which it is argued a different kind of economy is needed to ensure human flourishing. Finally, the chapter will outline the contributors’ chapters in the book, divided into four parts.