Individualism and Inequality: The Future of Work and Politics

Description

In the neoliberal world, rising individualism has frequently been linked to rising inequality. Drawing on social theory, philosophy, history, institutional research and a wealth of contemporary empirical data, this innovative book analyses the tangled relationship between individualism and inequality and explores the possibilities of rediscovering individualism's revolutionary potential. Ralph Fevre demonstrates that a belief in individual self-determination powered the development of human rights and inspired social movements from anti-slavery to socialism, feminism and anti-racism. At the same time, every attempt to embed individualism in systems of education and employment has eventually led to increased social inequality. The book discusses influential thinkers, from Adam Smith to Herbert Spencer and John Dewey, as well as the persistence of discrimination despite equality laws, management and the transformation of individualism, individualism in work and mental illness, work insecurity and intensification. This multi-disciplinary book will be essential reading for students and scholars of sociology, economics, philosophy, political science, management science and public policy studies, among other subjects. It will also be of use to policymakers and those who want to know how the culture and politics of the neoliberal world are unfolding. Front Matter......Page 2 Copyright......Page 5 Contents......Page 6 Figures......Page 7 The Modern Messiah......Page 8 Acknowledgements......Page 10 1. Neoliberalism takes over......Page 12 2. Anti-slavery and the secret of human rights......Page 31 3. Adam Smith and American individualism......Page 48 4. Inequality, welfare and the cultivation of character......Page 68 5. American ideology: millennium and utopia......Page 83 6. Classes and evolution......Page 99 7. Sowing the seeds of neoliberalism......Page 120 8. Education, individualism and inequality......Page 137 9. An introduction to people management......Page 156 10. From ‘stupid’ to ‘self-actualizing’ workers......Page 169 11. The neoliberal settlement......Page 183 12. The apotheosis of individualism at work......Page 203 13. The hidden injuries of cognitive individualism......Page 223 14. Insecurity, intensification and subordination......Page 245 15. The future of work and politics......Page 261 Bibliography......Page 281 Name index......Page 306 Subject index......Page 312