Capitalism and the Real
Expansion of Capitalist Realism Beyond Art and Advertising
The term "capitalist realism" extends beyond its historical use in pop art and advertising, becoming a pervasive atmosphere affecting not just culture but also the realms of work and education. It acts as an invisible barrier to both thought and action, presenting capitalism as a "natural order" and marginalizing alternative perspectives as idealistic or unrealistic.
The Naturalization of Neoliberal Ideology
Under capitalist realism, neoliberalism has reshaped societal principles such that running everything as a business appears as an unquestionable fact rather than a controversial value. This ideological shift means even areas like healthcare and education are subject to business ontology, with sustainability and ethical implications starkly overlooked.
Psychological and Environmental Realms as Sites of Capitalist Contradictions
Capitalist realism masks the inherent contingencies of capitalism, disguising them as necessities. To expose its vulnerabilities, it is necessary to explore areas where capitalism fails to integrate naturally occurring problems without contradiction:
- Environmental Crisis: While seemingly embraced by capitalist marketing strategies, the ecological disasters pose existential threats that capitalism cannot genuinely reconcile without revealing its unsustainable growth fetish.
- Mental Health: The increasing prevalence of mental health issues contradicts the supposed efficiencies of capitalism. Rather than naturalizing these crises, there needs to be a broader politicization and acknowledgment of their roots in capitalist structures.
Bureaucracy as a Persistent Feature of Capitalism
Contrary to neoliberal claims about reducing bureaucracy, it has morphed and proliferated in capitalist societies. This demonstrates a discrepancy between capitalist realism’s portrayal and the actual functioning of capitalist mechanisms, especially noticed in sectors like education.
Impacts of Capitalist Realism on Education
In the context of Further Education in the UK, neoliberal reforms have led to a market-driven and target-oriented system, deviating from the original educational mission. This shift serves as a microcosm of broader capitalist influences on public services, highlighting a degradation in quality and independence.
The Need for a Political Re-evaluation of Capitalist Structures
To challenge capitalist realism effectively, society must recognize and politicize the inherent instabilities and contradictions of capitalist practices—both in everyday life and systemic structures. This involves reassessing values and realities imposed by capitalism to foster a cultural and political environment where alternative systems are conceivable and discussable.