We have an economic system, backed up by our political and social institutions, which is based on the idea that a free market without state regulation is the best way to bring the 'good life' - based on material consumption way above our material needs - to an increasing number of the world's population. Left to their own devices, entrepreneurs will create wealth which will trickle down to all of us. That, I've come to understand, is the essence of NEOLIBERALISM which is the latest phase in the development of capitalism.
From birth we are 'socialised' into believing that material consumption is the be all and end all of human existence. We are told how to look, how our children and our homes should look, where to go on holiday and the rest. The messages are so powerful that they go unquestioned and neoliberalism is so powerful because it is invisible. The elephant in the room.
Fundamentals of neoliberal capitalism are that it needs a constant supply of investment opportunities and will always aim to reduce costs and maximise profit. Migrant workers provide cheap labour and fashion is introduced so we will continually be changing how we look, how our houses look and the rest ...
As neoliberalism has gone global the flaws been exposed:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Good to have your feedback. Thanks for commenting.