Member-only story

Subjection, Subversion, and the Politics of Neoliberalism

Edwin Blair

·13.9k Followers· Follow

Published in Slogans: Subjection Subversion And The Politics Of Neoliberalism (Routledge Studies In Anthropology)

5 min read · 1 week before

1.1k View Claps

84 Respond

Save

Listen

In the contemporary era, the concept of neoliberalism has emerged as a dominant force shaping global political, economic, and social landscapes. This article explores the complex relationship between subjection and subversion within the context of neoliberalism, drawing upon the works of renowned scholars such as Michel Foucault, Gilles Deleuze, and Félix Guattari. Through a comprehensive examination of the power dynamics and resistance strategies that characterize neoliberal societies, this article offers a critical analysis of the ways in which individuals and communities both conform to and challenge the prevailing neoliberal Free Download.

Slogans: Subjection, Subversion, and the Politics of Neoliberalism (Routledge Studies in Anthropology)

by Luisa Magarian

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9023 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	190 pages

Subjection in Neoliberalism

Neoliberalism, as a political and economic ideology, promotes the tenets of free market capitalism, deregulation, and privatization. This ideology has profoundly influenced the way individuals are perceived and constructed within society. Under neoliberalism, individuals are increasingly subjected to market forces, expected to become self-reliant, competitive, and responsible for their own well-being.

Michel Foucault's concept of biopower provides a useful framework for understanding the mechanisms of subjection in neoliberal societies. Biopower refers to the exercise of power over the population as a whole, focusing on the regulation and management of life itself. Through techniques such as surveillance, discipline, and normalization, neoliberal regimes seek to shape individual behaviors, desires, and aspirations in accordance with the demands of the market economy.

Subversion in Neoliberalism

Despite the pervasive power of neoliberalism, it is not without its critics and resisters. Subversion, in this context, refers to the various strategies and practices employed by individuals and groups to challenge, disrupt, or otherwise undermine the dominant neoliberal Free Download.

Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari's concept of the rhizome offers a valuable perspective on subversion in neoliberalism. The rhizome is a non-hierarchical, interconnected network that can be used to represent the multiplicity of resistance strategies that emerge in opposition to power. Deleuze and Guattari argue that subversion operates through the creation of alternative networks, alliances, and modes of thinking that escape the constraints of the dominant system.

Examples of Subversion in Neoliberal Societies

Subversion in neoliberal societies can manifest in diverse forms, including:

Social movements: Grassroots movements and organizations that mobilize against neoliberal policies, such as the anti-austerity protests in Europe and the Occupy Wall Street movement.
Alternative economies: The creation of alternative economic systems, such as cooperatives and worker-owned enterprises, that challenge the market-driven economy.
Artistic and cultural resistance: The use of art, music, and literature to critique and subvert neoliberal values and practices.

Critical Analysis

The relationship between subjection and subversion in neoliberalism is complex and multifaceted. While neoliberalism exerts significant power over individuals and communities, it also generates new forms of resistance and subversion. The analysis of this dynamic raises important questions about the nature of power and the possibilities for social change in contemporary societies.

One key challenge in understanding subjection and subversion in neoliberalism is the recognition that these processes are not mutually exclusive. Individuals and groups can simultaneously experience both subjection to neoliberal power and engagement in subversive practices. This highlights the need for a nuanced approach that acknowledges the complexities of resistance and the ways in which it can coexist with conformity.

The exploration of subjection and subversion in neoliberalism offers a critical lens through which to examine the power dynamics and resistance strategies that shape contemporary societies. Drawing upon the works of Foucault, Deleuze, Guattari, and other scholars, this article has provided an in-depth analysis of the ways in which individuals and communities both conform to and challenge the neoliberal Free Download. By understanding the mechanisms of subjection and the possibilities for subversion, we can better navigate the complexities of neoliberalism and work towards more just and equitable societies.

Slogans: Subjection, Subversion, and the Politics of Neoliberalism (Routledge Studies in Anthropology)

by Luisa Magarian

4.4 out of 5