Question: Discuss why, under what circumstances,

and within which limits, neoliberalism can claim to

be primarily about expanding the scope for human
freedom.
Freedom according to
Neoliberalism:
- Freedom underpins larger neoliberal rationality.
- Freedom is negative freedom/freedom from
coercion
- Skeptical of state: The aim of Neoliberalism is to
minimise role of the state to only create conditions
necessary to enhance and expand individual
freedom.

“The individualist recognizes the limitations of the powers of

individual reason and consequently advocates freedom.”
- Friedrich Hayek
- Individuals are rational beings with
their own subjective preferences.
- The market is means through which
people can actualize wants,
embodying idea of freedom.
- Neoliberal policy advocates a freer
market to achieve a freer society.
- More in favour of using the state as
means to redistribute wealth than
classical liberalism
Neoliberalism and political freedom
- Neoliberalism is ambiguous
about the idea of
democracy.
- Market freedom is
distinguished from political
freedom.
- Supports deregulating the
labour market, cutting
social security and
“unnecessary” government
spending.
Political freedom under neoliberalism
- Chile under Pinochet saw
considerable economic
growth and support of
western neoliberals
despite a record of human
right abuses.
Neoliberalism and social freedom
- Neoliberalism reduces people
down to their relationship to the
market.
- People are free to make decisions
as they choose, insofar as the
market isn't challenged.
- Neoliberalism believes the
market to be a natural sphere.
Social freedom under neoliberalism
- Neoliberalism hinders
ideological plurality.
- Promotes political lethargy.
- Universalises ideas of self
interest, competition and
markets.
Conclusion

Chart from an IMF report on the ramifications of its own

neoliberal policies. The report concluded that certain neoliberal
policies had increased inequality.