EUROPE 2020: TOWARDS A NEOLIBERAL GOVERNMENTALITY? Neoliberal Dreams and Diffractive Awakenings

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to examine whether the Europe 2020 strategy is of neoliberal nature and aims to adjust every aspect of life to be market-conforming. Furthermore, it examines if the target for an inclusive growth was achieved and who ended up benefitted from it. Theory: Michel Foucault’s theory of Biopolitics is the main theory informing this thesis. Karen Barad’s Agential Realism is applied additionally to strengthen the argument for Foucault’s concept of neoliberal governmentality and biopolitics being present in Europe 2020. Method: This thesis makes use of Critical Frame Analysis to prove the neoliberal framing of the issues addressed by Europe 2020. Diffraction, the second method, provides more context and insight to the findings of the first method. Result: The analysis does make the case for the neoliberal nature of Europe 2020 and the adjustment of other life aspects in a manner that serves the market’s rationality. It also notes the existence of other issues, such as matter and context, that have played a role in the strategy not achieving its target of an inclusive growth.