The death of neoliberalism? UK responses to the pandemic

Abstract

It is sometimes argued that unprecedented and drastic interventions to mitigate the economic and social effects of the pandemic must herald the diminution of neoliberal ideology in guiding UK government responses. However, by reference to government approaches to the previous crisis in 2008, and the recession that followed, that view is here considered to be simplistic, resting in part upon an over-narrow understanding of neoliberalism. Instead, it is argued that neoliberal ideology was maintained and further embedded in responding to the financial crisis and recession, especially apparent in the prolonged austerity regime that followed. How this ideology has remained influential in guiding government responses to the pandemic is next demonstrated, and some negative consequences highlighted for both public health and social welfare. Prospects for challenging the influence of neoliberalism are then considered. In some respects, the pandemic may have enhanced resistance to such challenges by, for instance, fragmenting the cohesion of workforces, but it has also generated countervailing forces. These include the emergence of mutual aid groups and social movements which could beneficially coalesce via a human rights framework in undermining the continuing dominance of neoliberal ideology and influence.