Commodification of Desire Under Neoliberal Politics
Desire is an essential component of human existence that shapes individual experiences, perceptions, choices, and actions in various ways. It is a psychological state that motivates individuals to seek out and pursue particular objects or activities, often beyond what is strictly necessary for survival.
When desire is commodified under neoliberal politics, it can have significant implications for selfhood, relational ethics, and social interaction. In this essay, I will explore how commodification of desire transforms selfhood, relational ethics, and social interaction.
Transformation of Selfhood
Under neoliberal politics, capitalist forces drive the commodification of desire, which leads to the transformation of selfhood. Individuals are encouraged to see themselves as consumers rather than subjects who possess agency. This shift in identity results from the increasing emphasis on consumerism, whereby people's desires are shaped by market forces rather than personal needs or values. Consumerism creates a culture of competition, where individuals must acquire goods, services, or experiences to gain social status or prestige. As such, individuals become defined by their consumption habits, leading to the creation of a new form of self-identity based on consumption. This transformation of selfhood has significant consequences for individual well-being, with some studies linking increased materialism to lower levels of life satisfaction and happiness.
Transformation of Relational Ethics
Commodification of desire also transforms relational ethics, creating an environment where relationships are reduced to transactions between individuals. Neoliberal politics promote a view of human interactions as exchanges of value rather than authentic connections between persons. This transactional approach to relationships reduces the complexities of human relationships to simple economic terms, creating a sense of disconnection and detachment. As such, individuals may struggle to develop deep, meaningful relationships characterized by empathy, understanding, and mutual respect. The transactional nature of relationships also creates pressure to perform certain behaviors or roles, leading to superficiality and manipulation.
Transformation of Social Interaction
The commodification of desire under neoliberal politics also affects social interaction, altering how people interact with one another in various settings.
Online dating platforms have emerged as a primary way for individuals to meet potential partners, but this trend has transformed romantic relationships into a marketplace, with users seeking out potential matches who fit specific criteria. This shift in social interaction has been linked to decreased intimacy, trust, and commitment in romantic relationships.
The commodification of desire can lead to exploitation, with individuals using others' desires as a means to gain profit or power.
The commodification of desire under neoliberal politics transforms selfhood, relational ethics, and social interaction in significant ways. Individuals become defined by their consumption habits, resulting in a lack of agency and well-being. Relationships are reduced to transactional exchanges where individuals must perform particular roles, reducing empathy and connection.
Social interactions become commercialized, with individuals using each other's desires to achieve personal goals. These transformations highlight the need for alternative economic models that prioritize human flourishing over capitalist exploitation.
How does commodification of desire under neoliberal politics transform selfhood, relational ethics, and social interaction?
The commodification of desire is the process by which desires are transformed into commodities that can be bought and sold on the market. Under neoliberal politics, this transformation has significant implications for how individuals conceptualize themselves, engage with others, and participate in society. On one hand, it can lead to a more individualistic and consumption-driven approach to life where personal fulfillment is equated with material acquisition and status symbolism.