Perspectives on neoliberalism
John Sniegocki
visiting assistant theology professor
In recent weeks there has been much discussion of "neoliberalism" in these pages of The Observer. On one side of the debate are persons who argue that neoliberal economic policies — emphases on "free trade," free markets and structural adjustment — will ultimately be to everyone's benefit.
On the other side are those who argue that neoliberal policies are generally very harmful. According to these critics such policies are leading to increased economic and political inequality, undermining the livelihoods of many (especially small farmers), promoting sweatshops and fostering environmental damage throughout the world.
I would suggest that some important voices to listen to in this debate are the voices of leaders of the Catholic Church in Third World countries. These persons in their own ministries and the ministries of their churches confront in a profound way on a daily basis the impacts of neoliberal policies.
Significantly, the assessment of neoliberalism by these church leaders is overwhelmingly negative. The Latin American bishops' conference, for example, has condemned neoliberal policies for contributing greatly to "the impoverishment and misery of millions of Latin Americans."
"Neoliberal capitalism," the president of the bishops' conference has asserted, "carries injustice and inequality in its genetic code."
This critical assessment of neoliberal capitalism is reflected also in the social teachings of Pope John Paul II. In his recent document, Ecclesia in America, for example, the pope states: "More and more, in many countries of America, a system known as `neoliberalism' prevails; based on a purely economic conception of the human person, this system considers profit and the law of the market as its only parameters, to the detriment of the dignity of and the respect due to individuals and peoples. At times this system has become the ideological justification for certain attitudes and behavior in the social and political spheres leading to the neglect of the weaker members of society. Indeed, the poor are becoming ever more numerous, victims of specific policies and structures which are often unjust."
Some good books for those interested in further study of this topic include Arthur MacEwan, "Neoliberalism or Democracy?" Sarah Anderson, ed., "Views from the South," John Madeley, "Big Business, Poor Peoples," and David Korten, "When Corporations Rule the World." A few good websites include www.corpwatch.org and www.essential.org/monitor.
John Sniegocki
visiting assistant theology professor
May 1, 2001
All Viewpoint Stories for Friday, May 18, 2001
