The neoliberal agenda and social work values: using critical discourse analysis to explore the role of language in processes of cultural hegemony

Abstract

The well-documented impact of neoliberal policies on all aspects of the social work process has been accompanied more broadly by the legitimation of neoliberal values within the profession. However, there is a noted lack of research into the methods whereby this infiltration has occurred. This article explores these methods by using critical discourse analysis to focus on the role of language in effecting this legitimation. The coalition government’s policy Caring for our future is examined and the terms ‘choice’ and ‘independence’ are critically discussed as ideological articulations of neoliberal values, before being contrasted with a social justice agenda, which is argued to be fundamental to social work values. It is contended that the neoliberal values expressed in the policy are incongruent with a social justice agenda. Finally, some thoughts are offered as to how this analysis might be utilised to stimulate resistance to the proposed cultural hegemony of neoliberalism.