Governing through Individualization
by Pierre Dardot and Christian Laval
pp. 18-37 Issue 9 (5,1) – January-June 2018 ISSN (online): 2539/2239 ISSN (print): 2389-8232 DOI: 1017450/180102
Abstract
After having analyzed the diverse modalities of definition of the “figure” of the collective and underlined the importance of its conceptual diversity, this article shows how in the neoliberal society the concurrent individualism can be articulated with inclusive public policies without this threatens the comprehensive coherence of its operating devices, based on “individualization techniques”. More specifically, the article exposes how the disciplinary power in neoliberal societies functions not so much as a factory of docile bodies (with a predominance attributed to control) but rather through the structuring of a precise field of possibility of action. In conclusion, the article proposes to organize the struggle against neoliberalism based on the rejection of dominant identity issues in today’s society, in order to propose the construction of a new social and political horizon.