Neoliberal commodification is a process that involves turning aspects of human life, including sexuality, into measurable units of value for the purpose of making profit. This transformation has significant implications for erotic expression, which can be viewed as a form of capital that can be used to generate social and economic power. In this essay, I will explain how neoliberal commodification changes erotic expression into marketable assets and discuss the consequences of this shift.
Commodification of Erotic Expression
Commodification refers to the act of transforming something that was previously non-commercial or personal into a product or service that can be sold on the market for financial gain. The commodification of erotic expression involves taking what was once an intimate and private aspect of human interaction and turning it into a commercial endeavor.
Erotica such as pornography, sex work, dating apps, and adult entertainment are all products that have been created through the commodification of eroticism. These industries have become big businesses, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year.
Transformation of Erotic Capital
As erotic expression becomes increasingly commodified, it also takes on new meanings and functions in society. It becomes a form of capital that can be used to generate social and economic power.
Individuals who possess desirable physical traits or have a certain level of attractiveness may use their bodies to earn income through modeling, acting, or other forms of employment. Similarly, people with charisma and charm may leverage their personality to build relationships and networks that provide them with social and economic advantages.
The commodification of sexuality has led to the emergence of new markets such as online dating, where individuals seek romantic partners based on their perceived value on the market.
Consequences of Neoliberal Commodification
The commodification of erotic expression has had far-reaching consequences for both individuals and society as a whole. On an individual level, commodifying one's erotic expression often leads to objectification and exploitation, as people are reduced to their physical attributes and expected to conform to societal standards of beauty and sexuality. This can lead to feelings of shame and inadequacy among those who do not meet these standards. On a societal level, the commodification of sex and intimacy can contribute to the commercialization of human relationships, reducing love and connection to a transactional exchange rather than a genuine emotional bond.
The normalization of the commodification of eroticism can lead to the devaluation of non-commercialized expressions of intimacy, such as self-pleasure or consensual kink practices.
How does neoliberal commodification transform erotic expression into marketable social and economic capital?
Neoliberalism is an ideology that promotes free markets, private enterprise, and individual liberty over state intervention. It has had a profound effect on many areas of society, including sexuality and eroticism. In recent years, there has been a trend towards the commodification of sexuality, with companies selling products and services related to sex for profit.