Rhetoric in Neoliberalism

This volume examines and applies classical and contemporary concepts of rhetorical theory and criticism to the context of late capitalism. Each contributor shows how discourse, its subjects, and power relations are irrevocably transformed by neoliberalism. The collection analyzes a range of discourses and phenomena in neoliberalism including: higher education reforms, computational culture, Occupy Wall Street protests, the activism of Warren Buffett, and the 9-11 Truth Movement. Together, these chapters explore the contemporary rhetorical production of homo economicus and the various ways in which neoliberalism has become a way of thinking, orienting, and organizing all aspects of life around economized metrics of individualized and individuated success. This book will be of use to students and scholars crossing the fields of media and communication, political science, and sociology.

“Rhetoric in Neoliberalism is an important intervention tracing the rhetorical elements that underwrite the different ways neoliberalism has insinuated itself into civic and political life. This collection has a keen sense of how rhetoric moves and attaches itself to different institutions, social movements, cultural forms, and technologies. As such, it provides both general and specific insights into the strength and vulnerabilities of neoliberalism as a governing rationality.” (Ronald Walter Greene, University of Minnesota, USA)

“Now, more than ever, as the old beast of right-guy/white-guy populism stirs for the umpteenth time, we need a clear, crisp, yet engaged analysis of its latest form. Neoliberalism is unusual, in that it represents an intellectual current as well as a populist one, driven by neoclassical economists and financiers as much as grassroots anger. This book delivers the critique I needed to see.” (Toby Miller, author of “Makeover Nation and Cultural Citizenship”)

“This excellent collection of essays engages directly with our current predicament: despite so much having been written and said about the catastrophic damage caused by neoliberalism, it persists as the dominant logic of contemporary capitalism. From popular culture to public policy, Rhetoric in Neoliberalism outlines exciting new directions for rhetorical studies alongside essential insights into the intersection between language and the economy that define our present moment.” (Mark Hayward, York University, Canada)

“Rhetoric in Neoliberalism is an important contribution to a growing body of scholarship that explores the effects of neoliberalism on the governance of rhetoric and public communication. With chapters by a number of emerging and established critics of neoliberalism, Rhetoric in Neoliberalism is poised to be a go-to text for other scholars who want to enter into this timely and burgeoning conversation.” (Joshua S. Hanan, co-editor of “Communication and the Economy: History, Value, and Agency”)

Kim Hong Nguyen is Assistant Professor of Speech Communication at University of Waterloo, Canada. Her research interests include rhetorical theory and criticism and cultural studies. Her work has appeared in Children’s Literature Association Quarterly, Howard Journal of Communications, and Cultural Politics.