Neoliberalism & community development by

Is it possible to navigate neo-liberalism and build strong communities

ritchg3 — 2023-11-13 14:38:32 UTC

There are significant challenges

ritchg3 — 2023-11-13 14:38:55 UTC

Communities are powerful agents of change

ritchg3 — 2023-11-13 14:38:59 UTC

Neoliberalism is.....

ritchg3 — 2023-11-13 14:45:54 UTC

A form of governing (strong state) that

Prioritizes private markets and entrepreneurs. Often done as austerity measures.
Downloads responsibility for social services onto local communities and individuals. 'Small government'
An ideology of individual responsibility
A social project that restores elite power. Some argue that the neoliberal social project weakens democracy & the power of everyday people
Has been described as market hegemony

Post-Fordist period

ritchg3 — 2023-11-13 14:53:49 UTC

A core goal of neoliberalism was dissolve & fragment the collective power of organized workers and to reduce welfare entitlements (Carroll & Ranter p.9).

Neoliberals sought to normalize the idea that there is no alternative to capitalism (Carroll & Ranter, p.8).

Inequality is growing

ritchg3 — 2023-11-13 15:05:03 UTC

Popple (2022)

Financial data for 2017 indicate that the number of billionaire worldwide is growing. Yet millions of people are struggling to make ends meet on low wages.

Can be linked to declining power of workers or less accountable democracies.

Communities become responsible for social wellbeing

ritchg3 — 2023-11-13 15:10:23 UTC

As the welfare state, or social safety net, is scaled back civil society (NGOs, community groups) has to take on more work. I,e., There has been a downloading of social services to communities (Kelly & Caputo, 2011).

Adults learn in/through social movements

ritchg3 — 2023-11-13 15:18:39 UTC

Participating in & learning about social movements can produce ideas and knowledge for social change. Learners/participants can reassess their assumptions, values, and/or daily practices. Social movements raise consciousness (Sen & Avci, 2016).

For example, Indigenous resistance and the TRC have raised consciousness of colonization, residential schools, land theft and much more.

Social movements create space for people to learn about and practices allyship and solidarity.

Social movements as community power

ritchg3 — 2023-11-13 15:24:41 UTC

Social movements are counter-hegemonic. They organize dissent to challenge hegemonic practices and ideas.

Anti-austerity praxis

ritchg3 — 2023-11-13 15:31:46 UTC

Community groups, NGOs, and social movements challenge neoliberalism (austerity, competitive market values) by arguing for a caring society. One that values mutual respect, compassion, sharing, and inclusive identities (Carroll & Ranter, 2010).

Changing consciousness

ritchg3 — 2023-11-13 15:59:46 UTC

Social movements (and civil society) can change public perspectives.

Social media, public pedagogy, popular education, and/or direct action are all tools used by social movements to change social consciousness and build stronger communities (Carroll & Ranter, 2010).