Editor’s introduction to special section on the psychosocial effects of neoliberalism, part II

Abstract

Continuing the discussion in PCS of neoliberalism, this paper introduces articles by Layton and Rustin on psychic states produced by neoliberal hegemonies, four short papers on hatred of big government, and a field note that describes effects of neoliberalism on mental health workers in the UK.

Social justice in fractured times

“…For example, as Wilkinson and Pickett (2010) recount, those in societies with higher levels of inequality are more likely to experience physical and mental health problems, be the victims of violent crime, and have minimal community connections, regardless of their personal income or class level. Neoliberalism also affects profoundly the production of subjectivity, a topic introduced by THRIFT and SUGARMAN -11 of 16 Foucault in his 1978-1979 lectures at the Collège de France ( 2008), and elaborated by others (e.g., Rose, 1999;Sugarman, 2020;Teo, 2018), including psychoanalysts who have explored the psychic effects of neoliberalism (see the special section on the psychosocial impacts of neoliberalism in the 2014 editions of Psychoanalysis, Culture and Society, Layton, 2014aLayton, & 2014b.…”

Gratitude and leave-taking: Editorial reflections, 2003–2017

“…Over the years, the journal's pages have hosted an array of Lacanian, Kleinian, and relational theorists whose analyses of neoliberal versions of collective and individual subjectivity have charted the costs of neoliberalism for public life and private wellbeing, as well as clearly suggesting some of the psychic barriers to progressive social change (see, for example, our two special sections on the psychosocial effects of neoliberalism, Layton, 2014aLayton, , 2014b.…”