Postneoliberalism from and As a Counter-Hegemonic Perspective

In: Development dialogue, Heft 51, S. 59-71

Abstract

Draws upon Antonio Gramsci's concept of hegemony (1991) to consider whether & how "postliberalism" could provide an effective analytical approach to counter-hegemonic struggles. Gramsci's concept of hegemony, described as a consensus-based form of social domination, is regarded alongside the concept of counter-hegemony. Postneoliberalism is explored both as a counter-hegemonic perspective & from a counter-hegemonic perspective. A postliberal frame of reference is used to examine the continuities & discontinuities of "alternatives." The point is illustrated through an analysis of the two different examples of "recovered enterprises" & "Piquetero organizations." Emphasis is placed on the wide range of postneoliberal approaches that can develop out of the same national context. It is argued that this heterogeneity negates political or strategic uses of the term postneoliberalism. Three reasons for not using postneoliberalism from what attempts to be an emancipatory perspective are: 1) post discursive or non-emancipatory co-optation of the term postneoliberalism; 2) an increased danger that discussions will also focus on whether or not something can be seen as "post"; & 3) the risk of homogenization. J. Lindroth