Foucault, Bourdieu and the Neoliberal Question - Laval, Christian

Foucault, Bourdieu and the Neoliberal Question: A Review

In his book, Foucault, Bourdieu and the Neoliberal Question, Christian Laval offers a critical analysis of the work of two of the most influential French intellectuals of the twentieth century, Michel Foucault and Pierre Bourdieu. Laval argues that both Foucault and Bourdieu developed important insights into the nature of neoliberalism, but that their work also contains significant limitations.

Foucault's Analysis of Neoliberalism

Foucault's analysis of neoliberalism is based on his concept of governmentality. Governmentality refers to the ways in which power is exercised in modern societies. Foucault argues that neoliberalism is a new form of governmentality that is based on the idea of the free market. This new form of governmentality has led to a number of changes in the way that societies are organized, including the rise of individualism, the decline of the welfare state, and the increasing commodification of everyday life.

Foucault's analysis of neoliberalism is insightful and provocative. He shows how neoliberalism has profoundly transformed our societies and our ways of life. However, Laval also argues that Foucault's analysis is limited in a number of ways. First, Foucault does not provide a clear definition of neoliberalism. This makes it difficult to assess the accuracy of his analysis. Second, Foucault's analysis is too focused on the state. He does not give enough attention to the role of the private sector in the rise of neoliberalism. Third, Foucault's analysis is too pessimistic. He does not see any way to resist the power of neoliberalism.

Bourdieu's Analysis of Neoliberalism

Bourdieu's analysis of neoliberalism is based on his concept of symbolic violence. Symbolic violence refers to the ways in which power is exercised through the manipulation of symbols and meanings. Bourdieu argues that neoliberalism is a new form of symbolic violence that is based on the idea of the free market. This new form of symbolic violence has led to a number of changes in the way that societies are organized, including the rise of individualism, the decline of the welfare state, and the increasing commodification of everyday life.

Bourdieu's analysis of neoliberalism is insightful and provocative. He shows how neoliberalism has profoundly transformed our societies and our ways of life. However, Laval also argues that Bourdieu's analysis is limited in a number of ways. First, Bourdieu's analysis is too focused on the individual. He does not give enough attention to the role of the state in the rise of neoliberalism. Second, Bourdieu's analysis is too pessimistic. He does not see any way to resist the power of neoliberalism.

Laval's Critique of Foucault and Bourdieu

Laval argues that both Foucault and Bourdieu offer important insights into the nature of neoliberalism, but that their work also contains significant limitations. He argues that a more comprehensive understanding of neoliberalism requires a synthesis of Foucault's and Bourdieu's work.

Laval's book is a valuable contribution to the study of neoliberalism. It offers a critical analysis of the work of two of the most influential French intellectuals of the twentieth century and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the nature of neoliberalism.

Conclusion

Foucault, Bourdieu and the Neoliberal Question is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the rise of neoliberalism and its impact on our societies and our ways of life. Laval's book is a valuable contribution to the study of neoliberalism and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the nature of this new form of governmentality.