Commodification is the process of treating goods and services as objects to be bought and sold for profit. Desire is an innate human need that motivates people to seek satisfaction through various means such as material possessions, power, status, and even emotional connections. Neoliberalism is an economic system based on free markets and individualistic values wherein individuals pursue their own interests without interference from the state. Under neoliberal frameworks, commodification of desire leads to the commercialization of social interactions and self-perception. This can have profound effects on both personal and societal levels, including changes in relational dynamics and ethics.
Effects on Self-Perception
Commodification of desire under neoliberal frameworks can lead to the objectification of people, reducing them to products that are marketable. Individuals may come to see themselves as objects to be consumed or used rather than valued for who they are. This can result in a sense of alienation and disconnection, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. It also promotes the idea that one's worth is determined by what others perceive them to be worth, which can lead to a focus on appearances, material possessions, and performance rather than inner qualities such as character, integrity, and authenticity.
Effects on Relationships
The commodification of desire can impact relationships by emphasizing superficial factors over deeper connections. People may become more likely to seek out partners who fit certain criteria rather than those with whom they share common interests or values. This can create unrealistic expectations about romantic and sexual relationships, leading to disappointment and dissatisfaction. It also encourages transactional behavior, wherein partners view each other as means to fulfill needs rather than mutually beneficial collaborators.
Effects on Social Ethics
Neoliberalism prioritizes profit over people, leading to an erosion of social ethics. The commodification of desire further exacerbates this issue by encouraging individuals to act in their own self-interest without regard for others. This can result in exploitation and abuse, particularly when it comes to sex work and other forms of intimacy. It also contributes to a culture of competition and scarcity, wherein resources are hoarded and power is concentrated among those who have the most capital. This can lead to increased inequality and social stratification.
Commodification of desire under neoliberal frameworks has far-reaching effects on individual and societal levels, including changes in relational dynamics, personal self-perception, and social ethics. It promotes objectification, exploitation, and inequality while undermining authentic human connection and community.
How does commodification of desire under neoliberal frameworks affect self-perception, relational dynamics, and social ethics?
Commodification of desire has had significant implications for individuals' perception of themselves and their relationships with others as well as society's moral values. It affects how people view themselves, their interpersonal relationships, and the overall values that govern society, particularly under neoliberal frameworks where profit is valued above all else. On an individual level, commodification of desire often leads to superficiality and materialism.