Analyzing Neo-liberal Citizenship: A Critical Perspective

This assignment examines the concept of neo-liberal citizenship in the context of contemporary society. It explores the tension between democratic ideals and neo-liberal economic principles, arguing that the latter poses a significant threat to the rights and freedoms of citizens. The analysis draws upon provided readings, including articles by Bradley Allsop, Mikko Kuisma, Katharyne Mitchell, and Luca Mavelli, to illustrate how market forces, celebrity influence, and the commodification of citizenship undermine democratic participation and equality. The assignment highlights the ways in which neo-liberalism allows for differential treatment based on financial status, thereby violating the core tenets of citizenship and the rule of the majority. The conclusion underscores the increasing commodification of the market sphere and its conflict with the fundamental rights and freedoms that nation-states are expected to guarantee their citizens.

Running head: NEO-LIBERAL CITIZENSHIP
Neo-liberal Citizenship
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1NEO-LIBERAL CITIZENSHIP
The twenty first century is characterized by the aspects of democratic ideals and neo-
liberal ideas. However, it can be noticed that the two different concepts of neo-liberalism and
democracy has threatened the liberty of citizenship.
In the news article that was written by Bradley Allsop on 6th December 2018, it was
shown that the main character of the economic market is that of liberalism (Democraticaudit
2018). Under this system, the market is allowed to be regulated in a free manner, without being
accountable to any citizen or institution for its actions. This style of governance has posed
serious problems to the functioning of democracy. Mavelli (2018) is of the idea that this aspect
of the neo-liberalism market place has led to the commodification of the unit of citizenship. In
other words, the economic market now has the power to either include or exclude people
depending on their economic capital worth. From this it can be observed that the values of neo-
liberalism is in serious conflict with the idea of citizenship. With the exclusion of the people
based on their economic worth, there is a gross violation of their rights and freedom.
In the modern world, another factor that has be observed to be in existence is that of
celebrity advertisement (Mitchell 2016). These celebrities try to appeal to the emotional side of
the human beings in order to persuade them to purchase certain goods and services. This is
against the factor of democracy as has been opined by Kuisama (2008). The very idea of
citizenship refers to the shared common values among the different individuals inhabiting a
common land. Citizenship necessitates the state to treat such individuals in an equal manner.
However, with the rise of neo-liberalism, the state now has the power to treat people differently
as a result of their financial position. This is highly undemocratic in nature. Democracy refers to
the process whereby there is the rule of the majority people. Under the system of democracy

2NEO-LIBERAL CITIZENSHIP
there is a need on the part of the state to be accountable and responsible for its actions in front of
the people.
In conclusion, from the above discussion is can be noticed that the sphere of market has
become highly commoditized in nature. The main objective of the nation states in the
contemporary world is to guarantee to its citizens, their rights and freedoms. However, neo-
liberalism has led to the conflict with the ideals of democracy.

3NEO-LIBERAL CITIZENSHIP
References:
Bradley Allsop, ‘Why neoliberal approaches to policy are detrimental to democratic
participation.’ Democratic Audit, 6 December
2018. http://www.democraticaudit.com/2018/12/06/why-neoliberal-approaches-to-policy-are-
detrimental-to-democratic-participation/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Kuisma, M., 2008. Rights or privileges? The challenge of globalization to the values of
citizenship. Citizenship Studies, 12(6), pp.613-627.
Mavelli, L., 2018. Citizenship for sale and the neoliberal political economy of
belonging. International Studies Quarterly, 62(3), pp.482-493.
Mitchell, K., 2016. Celebrity humanitarianism, transnational emotion and the rise of neoliberal
citizenship. Global networks, 16(3), pp.288-306.