Legitimationsprozesse wirtschaftlichen Handelns – Normativer Wandel im Anschluss an „Der neue Geist des Kapitalismus“

Abstract

This article explores the structural embeddedness of normativity in economic action. Departing from the model of "Cité" as developed by the French social thinkers Luc Boltanski and Laurent Thévenot it outlines how critique plays a major role in the capitalist process. Focusing on "The New Spirit of Capitalism" by Luc Boltanski and management theorist Ève Chiapello, and the model of normative change they present, the article outlines the way in which economic practices are constantly put to the test of legitimacy. Boltanski's and Chiapello's analysis of the micro-level displacements taking place in the capitalist process opens up a new way to understand the complex and multi-layered structure of normativity in economic life. Chiapello's reformulation of the notion of ideology is given special consideration.