On the future of the term neoliberalism: A critical examination

Abstract

This paper examines a contemporary use of the term neoliberalism in critical science. Neoliberalism is not only defi- ned as a political-economic theory, but also a bundle of policy measures and its societal realization. Parallel to its global triumph, neoliberalism has itself established as distinction term in critical science, according to which the word neoliberal acts as political and normative declassification mechanism. Through the use of the term neoliberalism, the antagonistic conflicts of capitalism can be made visible. In view of a partly emerging post-neoliberalism in economic policy, a recourse on the term neoliberalism requires in future, nevertheless, a high level of analytical clarity, so that a critical consideration of the existing structures in economy and society is still given.