6 - Neoliberalism and CSR Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is Neoliberalism?
A political-economic ideology that prioritises free markets, deregulation, privatisation, competition, and limited state intervention. Rooted in the belief that market logic is the best way to organise society.
What are the core principles of neoliberal thought?
- Market competition is natural and desirable
- The role of the state is to protect markets, noti ntervene in them
- Individuals are responsible for their own success or failure
- Public services should be privatised
How does neoliberalism influence CSR?
CSR becomes a strategic tool for profit rather than an ethical commitment. Ethical behaviour is pursued only if it aligns with shareholder value or competitive advantage.
What is “Strategic CSR”?
CSR aligned with business goals, brand image, or profit — e.g., eco-packaging to boost sales, or charity work to improve reputation.
How does neoliberalism redefine ethics in business?
Ethics becomes a market signal — companies behave ethically only if it produces competitive gain. Ethics is reduced to image management.
What are the risks of CSR under neoliberalism?
- Ethics becomes selective and superficial
- Social/environmental concerns secondary to profits
- Exploitative practices hidden under ethical branding (“greenwashing”)
What is the difference between “CSR as ethics” and “CSR as strategy”?
- CSR as ethics = moral responsibility to people/planet
- CSR as strategy = profit-focused branding mechanism
What is TINA, and how does it relate to neoliberal logic?
TINA = “There Is No Alternative” – the idea that free-market capitalism is the only viable system. Justifies ethically questionable decisions in the name of survival.
What does this lecture suggest about the relationship between neoliberalism and ethical business?
Neoliberalism marginalises ethics by valuing efficiency, profit, and competition above social responsibility. Ethics becomes optional, not foundational.
What is “market morality”?
The belief that market outcomes are fair and just by default. If something is profitable, it’s assumed to be good or deserved.
Why is genuine CSR difficult under neoliberalism?
Because the logic of neoliberalism conflicts with the core of ethics: caring for others, long-term thinking, and shared responsibility.
How does this lecture connect to other ethical theories?
- Opposes Kantian duty ethics (ends over means)
- Undermines virtue ethics (CSR done for image, not character)
- Ignores Levinas and Bauman (depersonalises relationships)
What is “the economisation of ethics”?
Turning ethics into something calculable and costed. It is treated as a branding or PR strategy rather than a moral obligation.
Example of ethical contradiction under neoliberal CSR?
Fast fashion brands promoting sustainability campaigns while relying on cheap, exploitative labour in the Global South.
Key critique: Can neoliberal capitalism ever support real ethics?
The lecture argues it’s unlikely — neoliberalism reframes ethics as a competitive tool, not a societal commitment. Business ethics must resist this reduction.
