Conceptual Metaphors and Event Schemas in the Conceptualization of Neoliberalism and Socialism in Presidential Inauguration Speeches: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Social Progress

Introduction: Neoliberalism and socialism are two political ideologies that have been widely debated and conceptualized in various ways. This study investigates how these ideologies are represented through metaphors in the political discourse of Rafael Correa, Ecuador's ex-president. Objective: To explore how neoliberalism and socialism are conceptualized using metaphors in Correa's presidential inauguration speeches. Methods: The study applied the Conceptual Metaphor Theory and the Event Schemas Classification System to analyze the corpus of Correa's speeches. A bibliographic review was conducted by identifying relevant sources, while those not focused on political metaphor analysis were discarded. Development: The results revealed a clear contrast in the conceptualization of both ideologies. Neoliberalism was metaphorically represented as WAR, CHAOS, CONFLICT, and DESTRUCTION, invoking images of bombs and disasters. In contrast, socialism was associated with metaphors of SHIELD, SWORD, and PROTECTION, framed as a battle to protect society. Correa strategically used these metaphors to persuade his audience and reinforce his political stance. Conclusions: The study concluded that Correa's use of metaphor served as a persuasive tool to polarize neoliberalism and socialism. The conceptualization of these ideologies reflects socio-cognitive and political perspectives, influencing audience perception and aligning with the ideological goals of his administration