About this episode
The episode discusses how neoliberal capitalism has contributed to the rise of insect-borne diseases.
Over the last half century, diseases carried by insects — such as malaria and dengue, Zika and Lyme disease — have greatly increased. Sociologists Brent Kaup and Kelly Austin argue that the surge in vector-borne disease has been fueled by neoliberal capitalism, at times in unexpected ways, such as through loosened financial regulations governing mortgages and health insurance, as well as the gutting of health care. (Encore presentation.) Brent Z. Kaup and Kelly F. Austin, The Pathogens of Finance: How Capitalism Breeds Vector-Borne Disease UC Press, 2025 The post Capitalism and Insect-Borne Diseases appeared first on KPFA.
People in this episode
Guests: Brent Kaup, Kelly Austin
Topics covered
- capitalism
- insect-borne diseases
- neoliberalism
- health care
- sociology
Keywords
- capitalism
- insect diseases
- malaria
- dengue
- Zika
- Lyme disease
- neoliberalism
- health care
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: UC Press
Books & works: The Pathogens of Finance: How Capitalism Breeds Vector-Borne Disease
More episodes of KPFA - Against the Grain
- The Anti-Defamation League and the Left · June 10, 2026 · 60 min
- AI, the Media, and the Billionaire Class · June 9, 2026 · 60 min
- Fighting Surveillance · June 8, 2026 · 60 min
- Triumph of the Yuppie · June 3, 2026 · 48 min
- Sex and Strength · June 2, 2026 · 60 min
- Controlling Workers · June 1, 2026 · 60 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the KPFA - Against the Grain podcast page.