Positioning Political, Social, and Fantasmatic Logics of Neoliberal Ideology and Counteracting Humanist Ideals in an Extended Multi-Level Framework

Abstract: Discussed is a multi-level framework of complex and dynamic normative forces shaping contemporary societies. Building blocks include critiques of neoliberalism, (psycho-)analytic social psychology, and radical humanist ethics. Extending an existing model of political, social, and fantasmatic logics of neoliberal ideology, societal, organizational, and psychological structures and processes are subjected to dialectical analysis. The proposed model positions dimensions of neoliberal economistic ideology versus humanist ethical ideals as antipodes on three levels (macro, meso, micro) and with respect to three domains of relatedness (identity, interactions, institutions). On the societal macro-level, neoliberal political logics of individualism, competition, and instrumentality oppose humanist ideals of individuation, solidarity, and emancipation. On the organizational meso-level, social logics of neoliberal workplaces prescribe self-reliance, competition, and rationalization, while humanistic management claims self-actualization, community, and transformation. On the individual micro-level, psychoanalytic theory suggests that fantasmatic neoliberal logics of success, superiority, and submission are antithetical to humanist values of evolution, equality, and empowerment. Drawing on social character theory, the framework shows, how neoliberal ideologies influence modes of relatedness towards oneself, others, and authorities, resembling ego-oriented, market-driven, and authoritarian tendencies. Humanist ideals are positioned as countervailing re-civilizing ethical forces. Linking psychoanalytic theories and theorizing on ideologies, the model offers a dynamic framework of the corrosive effects of neoliberal political economy as well as a basis for envisioning and mobilizing potentials for radical humanist transformation. Keywords: Neoliberal Ideology, Humanist Ideals, Analytic Social Psychology, Psychodynamics, Social Character Theory, Societal Transformation