Liberalism was founded upon the ideas of Social Justice

Before we proceed, let me define Neoliberalism for the uninitiated. Neoliberalism is a brand of liberalism that especially emphasizes markets (preferably free ones), liberty and freedom. There is an emphasis on incrementalism and a bias towards technocracy. In modern political systems, we often find ourselves in the “middle”, though that is highly relative. Despite what you may have heard, Neoliberalism does not have a distinct party affiliation. Neoliberals can find themselves in all political parties.

So, Neoliberals have a problem. We talk too much about Economics and policy, and not enough about social justice. And no, I am not referring to the broader “social issues”, because I am hard pressed to find Neoliberals who have regressive social views. Instead, Neoliberals view social issues in an apathetic, pseudo-Libertarian manner, where an acceptable position is leaving people to their own devices. That is not enough.

In 2018, a time where racial and gender based discrimination is still a blight in our societies, apathy is an accomplice in discrimination. You may not be sexist or racist. You may support LGBTQ+ rights. But what good is done if you do not act on those convictions? You may not be actively committing the acts that you stand against, but inaction enables the oppressors. Social justice does not occur laissez-faire. Social justice only happens when an active role is taken to prevent discrimination and promote those who are oppressed.

Why is the laissez-faire approach ineffective? Because it ignores a history of oppression and discrimination. Just because I am not racist does not make up for centuries of oppression, oppression that still has ripple effects to this day. Acknowledgement for violating the very principles Neoliberals stand up for does not make up for past sins. To make the playing field level again, we must become social justice warriors.

Neoliberals should be on the streets marching with Black Lives Matter. Neoliberals should be active players in their workplaces, advocating for representation of minorities and women. We should be mentors and allies to those who have been put down. It is not a question anymore that our approach is wrong. It is a reality, that if we do not stand up day in and day out for people less fortunate than us, that we are complicit in the oppression that we implicitly object to.

If that argument was not convincing for you, let me make one final one. Equality — whether that is racial, sexual, age, etc — is a multi-trillion dollar free lunch. It is an opportunity to lend agency to billions of people who can contribute to our economy. It is more people earning an income, driving innovation and advancing labor market specialization.

I guess the switch to JS Mills for my profile picture was appropriate.