For this response, reflect on personal experiences, observations, and/or instances that have exemplified the complex and sophisticated workings of neoliberal culture. Think of an example and contextua

Neoliberalism

Neoliberalism refers to a philosophy that promotes free market capitalism and advocates for reduced government intervention in its regulation. It is closely associated with Laissez-faire economics, which posits that minimal government involvement will lead to greater economic growth and prosperity. Neoliberalism champions free trade over highly regulated markets and protectionist policies, contributing to globalization. It argues for the establishment of a competitive market to guarantee that individuals can freely select their economic endeavors and be compensated based on their abilities (Bettache K, Chiu C., 2019). Neoliberalism anticipates that non-market institutions will align themselves with free-market ideals, encouraging individuals to adopt a business mindset and strive for success (Adams G. et al., 2019). The principles of neoliberalism encompass privatization, marketization, deregulation, reliance on voluntary organizations for social services, and fostering self-sufficient individuals and communities (Castree N., 2010).

Neoliberalism policies encourage a situation where governments have a limited role to play in the economy but instead privatizes most functions. It represents an economic ideology concerned primarily with markets and the policies that shape economic conditions. Neoliberalism is marked by meritocracy, the belief that competition drives progress, and the idea that society rewards individuals for possessing valuable traits like hard work and resilience (Bhatia S & Priya KR, 2018). Neoliberalism reduces government oversight in various sectors, as the government is tasked with safeguarding free markets and competition. This approach often leads to greater marginalization of the disadvantaged and increases inequality, as those with more skills advance in income while the less skilled struggle to climb the income ladder. Consequently, neoliberalism contributes to a growth in racialized surplus populations, many of whom are unemployed, underemployed, or unable to obtain stable work due to systemic racial obstacles, leaving them on the margins of society with limited access to economic opportunities. In this context, police and state officials are authorized to depict racialized surplus populations and their associated social issues as mere subjects for policing and punishment, ignoring the intricate set of factors that give rise to these communities and their challenges (Goodchild M., 1995). Efforts for social justice fundamentally aim to achieve social equality by addressing social oppression, which occurs when one social group exploits another for its benefit, whether knowingly or not (Bonny C., 2011). This phenomenon has been observed in surveillance capitalism, where private companies track individuals to gather data for financial gain. Numerous social divides persist within society; social justice involves recognizing and remedying those that are oppressive and unjust, through democratic initiatives aimed at attaining social equality. Neoliberalism emphasizes the importance of individual freedom, eliminating barriers to economic liberty, meritocracy, and personal accountability for one’s life outcomes. 

Neoliberalism has faced criticism for preserving the privileges of the affluent and for blaming the struggles of marginalized individuals and groups on their shortcomings (Gill R., et. al., 2016). At the individual level, neoliberalism is linked to a belief in personal agency, support for system justification, the social inclusion of marginalized groups, and a hesitance to engage in collective actions that could alleviate social disparities. On the societal level, the combination of economic freedom and popular endorsement of meritocracy in typical neoliberal societies predicts a higher tolerance for unequal power distribution, even when accounting for the actual levels of economic inequality. The relationship between neoliberalism and social inequality may heighten opposition to neoliberalism at the societal level. In the United States, strong labor unions have historically pushed back against policies that exacerbated economic inequality, especially before Reagan's administration (Jacob D. & Myers L., 2014). Thus, the interplay between neoliberalism and inequality continues to unfold. The trajectory of this interaction remains a significant focus of interest for numerous social and behavioral researchers.

References        

 Adams G, Estrada-Villata S., Sullivan D. & Markus H. (2019) The psychology of neoliberalism and the neoliberalism psychology. J Social Issue, 75:186-216.

Bettache K. & Chiu C. (2019), The invisible hand in an ideology: toward a social psychology on neoliberalism. J Social Issues, 75:8-19.

Bhatia S.& Priya KR (2018): Decolonizing culture: Euro-American Psychology and the shaping of neoliberal selves in India. Theory Psychol, 28:645-668.

Bonny Castle & Colin R. (2011), Social justice along a continuum: A relational illustrative model.  Social Service Review, 85(2):267-295.

Castree N. (2010) Neoliberalism and biophysical environment neoliberalism is and what difference nature makes to it. Geogr Compass, 4:1725-1733.

Gill R., Welbum J.S. & Fleming C.M. (2016) Responses to discrimination and social resilience under neoliberalism. In New Perspectives on Resilience in Social Economic Spheres,143-176.

Goodchild M. (1995), Geographic information systems and geographic research. In: Pricles J(ed.) Ground Truth. New York: Guilford Press, pp.31-50.

Jacobs D. & Myers L. (2014): Union strength, neoliberalism, inequality: Contingent political analyses of U.S. income differences since 1950. Am Social Rev, 79:752-774.