All That is Solid Melts into PR: Neoliberal Ethos in the Domain of Public Policy

• In Event: 40420 - Section on Political Sociology Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 5: Neoliberal Politics 2

Abstract

This paper explores the relevance of neoliberalism in describing contemporary social and political trends. While many scholars express frustration with the concept's ambiguity, amorphousness, lack of clarity, and potential outdatedness, this research argues that, as a concept, neoliberalism retains significant analytical value. Drawing on original qualitative data from a project examining the influence of think tanks in public policy, this paper assesses interviews with experts and staffers in the Washington, D.C. policymaking landscape. The findings reveal that this environment is characterized by an anti-government sentiment and a hyper-rational, cost-benefit approach to the public domain, with anti-democratic sentiments lurking beneath the surface—elements that collectively underscore a strong neoliberal ethos. These results suggest that, despite its complexities, the concept of neoliberalism continues to effectively capture critical aspects of social life and serves as a valuable tool for social critique.

Author

• Yana Mommadova, Northeastern University