The (un)expected pandemic and its implications for the world of work

Abstract

The new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is capable of showing the limits imposed by neoliberal policies in force for over 40 years, explaining the profound inequalities and fragilities of capitalist societies. The countries hardest hit by the pandemic face the consequences of years of austerity policies that have compromised their public health systems and, therefore, their response capacities at this time. The objective of the article is to relate the economic and political analysis of neoliberalism with recent studies on the erosion of democracies, the rise of the extreme right and authoritarian governments in the world, including Brazil, with an emphasis on the constitution of subjectivities in the face of the so-called neoconservatism. The article also aims to analyse, from this relationship, the Covid-19 pandemic and some of its implications for the world of work. As for methodological procedures, this article is the product of bibliographic research and critical reflection carried out on contemporary differences and inequalities.