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Their use of "neoliberal" is rather bizarre, as the now flagged post points out. As a reminder, Reaganomics is neoliberalism, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo

Their use of "neoliberal" is rather bizarre, as the now flagged post points out. As a reminder, Reaganomics is neoliberalism, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoliberalism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoliberalism and it's hard to see how a greater push for free-market capitalism is responsible for this issue. Yet this article blames neoliberalism 4 seperate times.

civilized 4y ago
[flagged]
hairofadog 4y ago
I think they’re trying to convey the idea that all aspects of child safety became something that could (and should) be packaged, marketed, and sold, and that any social safety nets society might offer are insufficient or that you’re morally deficient if you rely on them, and those things combined left parents feeling they had to buy lots of stuff to keep their kids safe. I know there’s no universally-agreed-upon definition of neoliberalism but from where I’m standing it would appear that it heaps praise on people who find a way to monetize things that people hadn’t previously thought to monetize (like child nutrition or play) and that it casts scorn on people who don’t take command of their own destiny, so I can sort of see a connection?
littlelady 4y ago
They are referring to the extreme notion of individual responsibility that forms the basis for neoliberalism and also alluding to the notion that market-like logic can be applied to nearly every aspect of life[1]. They didn't seem to define neoliberalism anywhere, which I think is a weak point. The term is rather vague. So I looked at the book for clarification: Whether one agrees with universal health care or not, this example nevertheless illustrates the fundamental logic of neoliberal culture (which we argue defines our present moment in all spheres): deflect public recognition away from systemic or infrastructural gaps and failings and instead redirect focus on how the individual should have helped optimize their own life. (p. 10, Optimal Motherhood) In this chapter, they also refer to neoliberal view that people must be completely self-reliant to solve their problems. While some level of self-reliance is vital to survival, not all problems are solvable as an individual. Tying it back to pregnancy and health, good prenatal care has a massive impact on healthy pregnancies. Prenatal care depends on a multitude of things: is care even available in your region (public health), can you afford to receive that care (public health), can you travel to that care (infrastructure)? Are you able to get off work for those appointments (labor laws)? These are greatly impacted by public policy, which are directly influenced (in the US) by neoliberal ideals. But instead of asking, "Why are so many miscarriages are happening in region X?" it's easier to deflect by saying, "Those women must not care about their babies enough." [1]: https://www.vox.com/the-big-idea/2017/7/18/15992226/neoliberalism-chait-austerity-democratic-party-sanders-clinton https://www.vox.com/the-big-idea/2017/7/18/15992226/neoliber...
- red-iron-pine 4y ago
  Thank you for that explanation, it did a lot to explain the title. I didn't flag the article but I am now of the opinion it should be un-flagged.

civilized 4y ago

[flagged]

hairofadog 4y ago

I think they’re trying to convey the idea that all aspects of child safety became something that could (and should) be packaged, marketed, and sold, and that any social safety nets society might offer are insufficient or that you’re morally deficient if you rely on them, and those things combined left parents feeling they had to buy lots of stuff to keep their kids safe. I know there’s no universally-agreed-upon definition of neoliberalism but from where I’m standing it would appear that it heaps praise on people who find a way to monetize things that people hadn’t previously thought to monetize (like child nutrition or play) and that it casts scorn on people who don’t take command of their own destiny, so I can sort of see a connection?

littlelady 4y ago

They are referring to the extreme notion of individual responsibility that forms the basis for neoliberalism and also alluding to the notion that market-like logic can be applied to nearly every aspect of life[1]. They didn't seem to define neoliberalism anywhere, which I think is a weak point. The term is rather vague. So I looked at the book for clarification: Whether one agrees with universal health care or not, this example nevertheless illustrates the fundamental logic of neoliberal culture (which we argue defines our present moment in all spheres): deflect public recognition away from systemic or infrastructural gaps and failings and instead redirect focus on how the individual should have helped optimize their own life. (p. 10, Optimal Motherhood) In this chapter, they also refer to neoliberal view that people must be completely self-reliant to solve their problems. While some level of self-reliance is vital to survival, not all problems are solvable as an individual. Tying it back to pregnancy and health, good prenatal care has a massive impact on healthy pregnancies. Prenatal care depends on a multitude of things: is care even available in your region (public health), can you afford to receive that care (public health), can you travel to that care (infrastructure)? Are you able to get off work for those appointments (labor laws)? These are greatly impacted by public policy, which are directly influenced (in the US) by neoliberal ideals. But instead of asking, "Why are so many miscarriages are happening in region X?" it's easier to deflect by saying, "Those women must not care about their babies enough." [1]: https://www.vox.com/the-big-idea/2017/7/18/15992226/neoliberalism-chait-austerity-democratic-party-sanders-clinton https://www.vox.com/the-big-idea/2017/7/18/15992226/neoliber...

red-iron-pine 4y ago
Thank you for that explanation, it did a lot to explain the title. I didn't flag the article but I am now of the opinion it should be un-flagged.