‘Neoliberal epidemics’ and public health: sometimes the world is less complicated than it appears

Abstract

A recent CPH editorial addressed ‘the perils of invoking neoliberalism in public health critique’. While in sympathy with many of the authors’ concerns, I argue that the analytical literature on neoliberalism, the historical record of neoliberalism’s promotion and diffusion, and the empirical evidence of its health consequences support the view that ‘neoliberal epidemics’ represent a substantial and clearly definable threat to public health and health equity.

Keywords:

• Neoliberalism
• history
• politics