Alnoor Ladha defines the 'capitalist system' as a socio-economic structure predicated on the principles of private property, profit maximization, and market-driven mechanisms. Central to this system is the control of the means of production by a minority, leading to significant power imbalances and systemic inequality. The capitalist framework, according to Ladha, prioritizes individual wealth accumulation over collective well-being and environmental sustainability, often resulting in socio-environmental degradation. The relentless pursuit of profit fosters a culture of consumption and disposability, exacerbating social injustices and ecological crises. Ladha's critique highlights the inherent contradictions of capitalism, where the drive for perpetual growth and the commodification of all aspects of life undermine the potential for a just and equitable society.

See also: neoliberal capitalism, late-stage capitalism, post capitalism, economic system, capitalist modernity