Capitalism

• Priestley uses the play to argue that the economic system of capitalism prevented equality and social justice, suggesting socialism promoting shared wealth would be fairer for all.
• Priestly depicts the comfortable, affluent life of the Birling family who thrive on capitalism. This contradicts the destressing account of Eva whose life is ended by suicide due to their greed.
• Priestley uses the Inspector to presents the Birlings' capitalism in a negative light. They are portrayed as individualistic, self-centred and amoral who place profit and greed above rights and concerns of others