Swain Campus 8th Graders Explore Economic Systems of the Industrial Revolution Through Student-Led Discussion

Swain Campus 8th grade Humanities students participated in a R.E.A.L./Harkness Discussion focused on the economic upheaval of the early Industrial Revolution. Guided by a central question, which economic system truly supported workers during this transformative era? students led a dynamic dialogue examining the rise of capitalism and socialism.

During the discussion, students weighed the costs and benefits of both systems, exploring how capitalism fueled unprecedented economic growth while often exploiting laborers, and how socialism emerged as a response to these inequities, offering its own promises and challenges. The conversation highlighted the students’ ability to think critically, consider multiple perspectives, and connect historical economic decisions to the systems that continue to shape our world today. 

“It was inspiring to watch the 8th graders navigate these complicated topics with such thoughtfulness and maturity,” said Humanities teacher Ms. Coffey. The session exemplifies Moravian Academy’s commitment to fostering curiosity, analytical thinking, and meaningful discussion in every classroom.