Commodification is the process of turning something into an object that can be bought and sold. Neoliberalism refers to a political philosophy that emphasizes economic freedom, individual responsibility, and market competition. Desire is the feeling of wanting something. It has been argued that commodification of desire under neoliberal policies influences self-perception, intimacy, and ethics. In this article, I will explore how these three factors are affected.
Self-perception refers to how people see themselves. Commodification of desire may lead to individuals viewing themselves as objects rather than unique human beings with complex emotions and experiences. This can result in feelings of disconnection from others and reduced ability to form meaningful connections based on shared values and interests. It also contributes to the commodification of the body, which can create confusion about what constitutes real beauty or value, leading to unrealistic expectations for one's physical appearance.
It can contribute to consumerism, where material possessions become central to identity and satisfaction, further undermining personal growth and connection with others.
Intimacy is the deep, emotionally connected relationship between two or more people. Under neoliberalism, intimacy may become commercialized through dating apps, online platforms, and other technologies. Individuals may feel pressure to appear attractive, charming, or interesting to attract potential partners, resulting in superficial interactions based on desires rather than genuine connection. The focus on appearances can also create anxiety around body image and sexual performance, leading to sexual exploitation and objectification.
The commodification of desire can make intimate relationships transactional, where they are no longer seen as mutually beneficial but as a means to fulfill individual needs without consideration for the partner.
Ethical concerns arise when commodifying something essential to human experience. Desire is an integral part of life, and its commodification can impact ethics by creating conflicts between self-interest and collective well-being.
If intimacy becomes solely focused on meeting one's own needs without considering the needs and desires of the other person, this could lead to harmful outcomes such as abuse, infidelity, or broken trust. Commodification can also lead to a reductionist view of sex, where pleasure becomes the only goal, disregarding emotional connection, consent, and safety. This can result in unethical practices like prostitution, pornography, or trafficking, which exploit individuals for profit.
Commodification of desire under neoliberal politics influences self-perception, intimacy, and ethics. It encourages individuals to see themselves as objects with commercial value, undermines real connections with others, leads to consumerism and materialism, creates superficial intimacy, and reduces sex to a transactional act. To combat these effects, we must prioritize personal growth over material possessions, promote genuine intimacy based on shared values and interests, and advocate for responsible sexual practices that respect the dignity of all parties involved.
In what ways does commodification of desire under neoliberal politics influence self-perception, intimacy, and ethics?
Neoliberalism is an ideology that emphasizes individual freedom through market competition and privatization. This economic model has created significant social changes, including increased material consumption, consumerism, and commodification of desire. Commonly, these effects have been associated with negative outcomes for individuals' well-being and interpersonal relationships.