Abstract
Researchers across the social sciences are beginning to note that neoliberalism’s influence is no longer restricted to macroeconomic and social policies, but can now be detected in individuals’ behaviors, relationships, perceptions, and self-concept. However, psychologists lack a means of assessing neoliberal beliefs directly. We collected data from three samples of U.S. undergraduates to develop and test a measure of neoliberal ideology, the Neoliberal Beliefs Inventory (NBI). Using first exploratory and then confirmatory factor analysis, we devised a 25-item measure that is both reliable and valid, at least within a particular demographic (i.e., U.S. traditionally-aged undergraduates). The NBI may help psychologists specify and analyze the role of neoliberal ideology in shaping human behavior and functioning.
Highlights
Researchers across the social sciences are beginning to note that neoliberalism’s influence is no longer restricted to macroeconomic and social policies, but can be detected in individuals’ behaviors, relationships, perceptions, and self-concept
We developed the Neoliberal Beliefs Inventory (NBI) as a tool to use in directly studying neoliberal ideology and its psychological impact
Of those participants in each sample who did not identify as white, 5-7% identified as Black; 3-4% identified as Latino/a; 12-18% identified as Asian/Pacific Islander American; 3-5% identified as Middle Eastern; 3-6% identified as biracial or multiracial; and 3-6% did not select any racial or ethnic category
Summary
Researchers across the social sciences are beginning to note that neoliberalism’s influence is no longer restricted to macroeconomic and social policies, but can be detected in individuals’ behaviors, relationships, perceptions, and self-concept. State programs and policies were viewed as threatening citizens’ self-determination, whereas previous government interventions (e.g., policies enacted during the Progressive Era and under the New Deal) had been perceived as enabling citizens’ liberty by increasing their access to resources (Zucker & Bay-Cheng, 2010) This position was solidified through the 1980s, and by the 1990s saturated dominant discourse in the U.S (Duggan, 2003; Harvey, 2005). While explicit references to neoliberalism may remain tied to debates about finance and markets, it appears that at least in the U.S, neoliberalism has trickled down and out beyond the bounds of economic discourse and policy
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
