Exploring the Concepts of Neoliberalism and Power

Exploring the Concepts of Neoliberalism and Power
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Question 1: Neoliberalism
Neoliberalism is a buzzword, frequently misunderstood and misapplied without a nuanced understanding of its ramifications. This essay seeks to explore, in light of existing literature, the meaning and implications of neoliberalism. This approach is necessary for developing a common understanding of the concept and informing discussions regarding the relevance of neoliberalism in solving problems that persistently plague the contemporary society. Opinions vary over the definition and effects of neoliberalism on Latin American and U.S. citizens, but the thrust of literature points to its adverse effects.
Neoliberalism is an economic model with as many definitions as those who have attempted to define it. Portes and Hoffman (2003) view neoliberalism as an old practice serving as a reminder of an epoch when Latin American countries were active players in the global economy. During this era, participation anchored on each nation’s “differential advantages as producers of primary goods while importing manufacturers and technology from the industrialized world” (p. 41). From this description, it is apparent that neoliberalism is not entirely a new concept, and it is purely driven by the dissimilar distribution of resources that translate into goods for exchange in the market. However, as comprehensive as Portes and Hoffman’s definition may seem, it has not been universally acknowledged.
Other scholars’ attempts to define neoliberalism confirm that the terminology applies differently to different people and scholars. Acknowledging the lack of consensus among scholars regarding various tenets of neoliberalism, Dávila (2012) informs that this concept is marked by “a range of policies and a worldview that promotes state deregulation and the privatization of services while fostering individualism, entrepreneurship, market logic, and free-market approaches in the guise of better and more efficient government” (p. 5). Put differently, the author views neoliberalism as a means towards privatization, and it is achievable through market-driven reorganization of the economy.
Recent studies have also demonstrated a tendency to conceptualize neoliberalism regarding what characterizes it. In his publication, Collins explains that the model is characterized both by limited state control, which favors the market, as well as “complex realignments in its structures and means of funding citizens’ initiatives put in place around attempts to monetize novel areas of social life” (2015, p. 367). This definition builds on an earlier observation that neoliberalism is an ideology, not an objectively apparent assortment of processes, which readies the existential ground for commodification (Collins, 2008).
Neoliberalism affects society differently. Dávila (2012) explored both positive and negative effects of neoliberalism. The researcher noted that this model coincided with protection for government services that enhance security and business viability in New York. On the other hand, in Latin America, neoliberalism fueled ethnic politics and promoted the political involvement of minority groups such as indigenous communities (Dávila, 2012). The writer further observed that neoliberalism creates opportunities for states, allowing them to accumulate capital in various fields such as sexuality, natural resources, health, and education – which is a plausible breakthrough since it was previously unimaginable that these sectors could be commercialized. Thus far, the effects of neoliberalism are arguably positive.
Undoubtedly, neoliberalism has attracted numerous benefits, but it is also responsible for the inequalities that plague the society. At the beginning of the 21st century, Portes and Hoffman blamed neoliberalism for an obstinately aggravating inequality gap in the society by serving as a tool for concentrating “wealth in the top decile of the population” (p. 41). Furthermore, the researchers adduce that neoliberalism not only underpins the rapid expansion of the cohort of micro-entrepreneurs, it also plays culprit in the stagnation or expansion of the “proletariat” social class. Collectively, the authors observe, the ramifications of neoliberalism have compelled the middle and lower classes in many countries to resort to adaptive strategies such as “micro-entrepreneurialism, marginal self-employment, violent crime, and accelerating emigration” (p. 75). Regarding emigration, the authors note that roughly a million Ecuadorians moved to New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The remarks regarding the consequences of neoliberalism are not unique to Portes and Hoffman alone.
Subsequent studies have confirmed that neoliberalism breeds social tension and inequalities. Exploring the cultural aspect of neoliberalism, Dávila (2012) contended that neoliberalism favors the middle class and upwardly mobile sectors thus excluding those pitted in the lower end of the social scale. In New York, the author noted that neoliberal principles have not only exposed but also exacerbated existing race and culture differences among the diverse demographics that make up the city’s workforce. Elsewhere, Collins (2015) observed that neoliberalism provided an avenue for the Brazilian government to politicize and commercialize culture/identity, leading to the disempowerment of Afro-Bahinians in Pelourinho. In short, neoliberalism is a toxic ideology that promotes unfair exploitation.
Due to the varying understanding of neoliberalism, it is reasonable to acknowledge the environments and concepts of application of the concept/term, which is undeniably diverse. From this discussion, it emerges that neoliberalism is an ideology, a contagious one, and it is not entirely beneficial; it has made possible commodification of the existential ground, but it has also amplified social problems such as inequality.
Question 3: Power
Elusive in its definition, power is difficult to acquire, and many who have power can hardly exercise it successfully due to suppressive hindrances. In this section of the essay, the resea...