On the Condition of Democracy in America: A pragmatic critique of liberalism and neoliberalism in the United States

Year 2016, Issue: 44, 14 - 34, 01.04.2016

Mert Önal

Abstract

Income inequality has become a prominent topic of discussion and investigation over the last few years. This can be attributed to the fact that income disparities between the extreme rich and the others have become more salient than ever. Social movements such as Occupy Wall Street have expressed vocal opposition to this development through their slogan “We are the 99%”. Comprehensive criticism towards neoliberalism as an ideology that influences public policy has also gained ground during this period. This paper aims to develop an understanding of how neoliberal ideology has been central to the increase in economic inequality and how this inequality has translated itself into problems such as the hollowing out of democratic citizenship and political cynicism. The paper will look at the issues at hand through John Dewey’s social and political thought in order to provide a tentative outline for a new politics that avoids the pitfalls of liberalism

Keywords

Income Inequality, Neoliberalism, United States, John Dewey, Political Economy

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