How does the commodification of desire reshape moral values under neoliberalism, and what becomes of intimacy in such a system?
In neoliberalism, commodities are treated like people, which can be bought and sold freely. This applies to all aspects of life, including sexuality and intimacy. Desire is seen as an object that can be quantified, measured, and exchanged for profit.
This creates issues around morality, as it reduces human interactions to economic transactions. It also changes how people view themselves and each other, leading to the dehumanization of individuals.
Under neoliberalism, capitalist principles are applied to every aspect of society, including love and relationships. Individuals become objects that can be used and discarded based on their value, rather than true partnerships built on mutual respect and care. The emphasis on consumption has led to increased materialism, where romantic gestures and gifts are often given solely for personal gain. This has created a culture of selfishness, where people focus more on their own desires than those of others.
The rise of online dating apps has further contributed to the commodification of desire. These platforms allow users to shop for potential partners using various filters, creating a marketplace for love. Users may be drawn to superficial characteristics like appearance or social status, reducing the significance of deeper qualities like kindness or empathy. In addition, swiping through endless profiles can lead to fatigue and numbness, making it difficult to form meaningful connections.
Neoliberalism has also made it harder for couples to maintain long-term commitment in a relationship. The constant pressure to perform financially means that partners may prioritize work over each other's needs, leading to emotional distance. Intimacy requires trust, vulnerability, and open communication, but these values are undermined by the competitive nature of the system. Partners may feel pressured to conceal their true feelings or avoid conflict due to fear of losing out economically.
The commodification of desire under neoliberalism creates a culture of exploitation and objectification, where individuals are valued only for what they can offer. It makes it difficult to form genuine relationships based on mutual respect and support, as people become used to treating each other as disposable objects. This erodes morality and intimacy, leading to a society where people struggle to connect with one another authentically.
How does the commodification of desire reshape moral values under neoliberalism, and what becomes of intimacy in such a system?
The commodification of desire has become an increasingly prominent feature of modern society, as consumers are constantly bombarded with advertisements that promote material possessions and experiences as the key to happiness and fulfillment. Under neoliberalism, this phenomenon has been intensified through the promotion of individualism and competition, which encourages individuals to pursue their desires without regard for social or ethical considerations.