Desire is often understood as an internal state that motivates human beings to act. In neoliberal societies, however, desire has become increasingly commodified as a marketable resource. This means that it can be sold and bought like any other item, and this has implications for intimacy, which traditionally involves sharing deeply personal feelings and desires with another person. When intimacy becomes a marketplace product, ethical concerns arise around issues such as consent, exploitation, and objectification of others.
One example of how desire is commodified under neoliberal politics is through the rise of dating apps, where users pay to access potential partners based on their preferences. These apps allow users to select criteria such as age, gender, location, physical appearance, occupation, education level, and interests, creating a highly individualized experience.
This approach to finding romance is problematic because it reduces people to objects to be consumed rather than valued as individuals. It also promotes unrealistic expectations about what makes a relationship successful, leading to disappointment when those expectations are not met.
Another way desire is commodified is through the production and consumption of pornography, which has grown exponentially in recent years thanks to the internet. Pornographic material can be accessed for free online or purchased for a fee, and it often depicts sex acts that would not normally occur in real life due to social norms and safety considerations. The commodification of pornography raises questions about whether viewers are objectifying performers and whether the industry is exploiting vulnerable populations.
Some companies offer services that aim to enhance sexual pleasure through products or experiences.
Vibrators and other sex toys have become popular among couples who want to spice up their intimate lives. Similarly, erotic massage parlors provide an experience designed to stimulate the senses. While these services may seem harmless, they raise ethical concerns around consent and exploitation of workers who may be coerced into performing against their will.
The commodification of desire under neoliberal politics creates ethical challenges related to intimacy, as it prioritizes transactional relationships over genuine connections. As such, society should work towards valuing intimacy as a personal expression of love and respect rather than a marketable resource.
How is desire commodified under neoliberal politics, and what ethical questions arise when intimacy becomes a marketplace product?
Desire has become increasingly commodified under neoliberal policies as individuals are encouraged to view themselves as consumers rather than citizens. This shift has led to the creation of new markets for intimacy products that cater to people's desires and fantasies. The commodification of intimacy raises important ethical concerns about how such products can affect personal relationships and social norms.