The Protestantism of neoliberalism

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rudnyckyj_daromir_CultTheoryCrit._2023.pdf (308 KB)

Date

2023

Authors

Rudnyckyj, Daromir

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Culture, Theory and Critique

Abstract

This essay illuminates the affinity between of Protestantism and neoliberalism. Drawing on the insights of Max Weber and Michel Foucault, the essay demonstrates how both Protestantism and neoliberalism are premised on a common set of norms and ethical practices. In so doing, I seek to diagram the points of convergence between these two formations to account, in part, for the persistence of neoliberalism. The affinity between Protestantism and neoliberalism is evident in the fact that both entail the rationalisation of a totalising system, reflexive responsibilisation, recasting the pastoral function, the assimilation of labour, the compulsion for action in conditions of unknowability, and the economisation of power.

Description

Keywords

assimilation of labour, Max Weber, Michel Foucault, neoliberalism, Protestantism

Citation

Rudnyckyj, D. (2024). The Protestantism of neoliberalism. Culture, Theory and Critique, 64(3), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/14735784.2024.2313602

URI

https://doi.org/10.1080/14735784.2024.2313602
 https://hdl.handle.net/1828/22330

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Faculty Publications (Social Sciences)
 
University of Victoria Libraries

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