Craig Willsecwillse@gmail.com

NeoliberalismCities, Space, Surplus

Neoliberalism

• Ideological - a set of ideas about the “best” relationship between the economy and government.

• Political - social and economic reforms that put the ideas of neoliberalism into practice.

• Historical - an era characterized by the dominance of neoliberal political projects (roll-back and roll-out).

Neoliberal Ideas

• The economy will prosper if left alone, and a prosperous economy is good for the people.

• Individuals bear responsibility for their poverty, and governments should not foster “dependence” on social programs.

• Economic rationales should be applied to social programs: competition, cost-benefits analysis, measurable outcomes.

Other Examples?

What Does Neoliberalism Look Like?

• Free market policies• In “developing” world (aka former colonies of

US and European empires): structural adjustment programs that cut social spending

• In US: shift of industrial production out of US, and growth of domestic service and knowledge industries; workfare

• Increasing economic polarization• Growth of surplus populations• Expansion of “security” industries - police,

prisons, military occupation• Expanding power of supranational governance

bodies

What Does Neoliberalism Look Likein the City?

• Selling off of public space to private corporations

• Dominance of consumerism• “Quality of life” crackdowns• More cops, and more militarized policing• Growth of private security forces in quasi-

public spaces• Growth of non-profit sector• Intensification of racialized economic

exploitation and racial wealth gap