Acumulação

Acumulação refers to the process of accumulation, which in various contexts denotes the gathering, collection, or increase of something over time. In economic theory, particularly in Marxist economics, acumulação de capital (capital accumulation) describes the process by which wealth is generated in the form of profit that is reinvested to generate further wealth. This process is fundamental to capitalist economies as it enables the expansion of production, the growth of enterprises, and the increase of capital stock. In environmental studies, acumulação may refer to the buildup of pollutants or resources in ecosystems. The concept also appears in social contexts where it can describe the gathering of social capital, knowledge, or cultural assets. Scholars from different disciplines analyze acumulação through various lenses, examining its mechanisms, impacts, and implications for development and inequality. The study of acumulação processes helps understand how systems of production, distribution, and exchange operate across different societies and historical periods.