Summary of Wacquant - Sur le discours sécuritaire
Summary of "Wacquant - Sur le discours sécuritaire"
In the video titled "Wacquant - Sur le discours sécuritaire," the speaker discusses the evolution of security discourse, particularly in relation to the neoliberal ideology that has emerged from the United States. The presentation begins with a reference to an article by criminologist Philippe Douste Blazy, who emphasizes the hesitance of politicians to address the issue of security, despite growing concerns in France.
The speaker critiques the shift from welfare to "workfare," highlighting how policies have evolved since the late 20th century, particularly under the influence of think tanks advocating for reduced social assistance and increased punitive measures. This shift reflects a broader ideological transition where the state is seen as retreating from social responsibilities while simultaneously expanding its role in policing and penal matters.
Key Points
- Contradiction in State Roles: The speaker argues there is a coherent strategy behind the perceived contradiction of a reduced welfare state and an increased police state. The management of social inequalities has shifted from social support systems to law enforcement and penal systems.
- Normalization of Precarity: There is a cultural and institutional push to normalize precarious employment as the standard for the working class, similar to historical shifts in employment norms. This transition is legitimized through a new security discourse that frames poverty and urban violence in a criminal context.
- Liberal Paternalism: The current state is described as liberal for the wealthy and paternalistic for the working class, particularly for those in precarious employment situations. This duality serves to facilitate a new economic model that prioritizes corporate interests while imposing restrictions on the freedoms of vulnerable populations.
- Critique of New Economy Narratives: The speaker challenges the rhetoric surrounding the "new economy," questioning whether it refers to technological advancements or the expansion of correctional facilities and punitive systems.
Overall, the commentary presents a critical analysis of how security discourse is used to justify the transformation of social policy into punitive measures, reflecting deeper socioeconomic inequalities.
Presenters or Contributors
- Wacquant
- Philippe Douste Blazy (mentioned)
Notable Quotes
— 01:56 — « This new doxa is a whole new neoliberal punitive common sense which comes to us from the United States. »
— 03:46 — « The realization of the neoliberal utopia is not the least state; it is the least state in economic and social matters. »
— 04:22 — « The real issue of this new discourse on security is to legitimize the transition from social treatment to police and criminal treatment of poverty. »
— 04:48 — « It takes a mental, cultural, and institutional reform to impose precarious employment as the normal horizon of employment for the working classes. »
Category
News and Commentary