Subversive communication against neoliberalism

ABSTRACT

In the context of neoliberal hegemony and positioning communication as a subversive action, this article argues that media and communication studies are central to understanding the political dimension of the commons. It does so by observing that, along with the expropriation of forests, soil, and water, voice is an essential commons expropriated as a resource, relationship, and entitlement. Considering that the preservation of the commons (in terms of resources needed for human existence) depends on dialogue and discussion, its expropriation carries for the media and communications field of study the duty of creating instances of dialogue and discussion as the most basic and necessary form of resistance. The challenge lies in imagining ways to do it when the logics of dialogue, dissent, and cooperation have been discouraged by neoliberalism. Therefore, in this paper, I will propose some options united by a common thread: understanding communication as a subversive action.

KEYWORDS:

• Commons
• voice
• neoliberalism
• communicative and media practices

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.