Consequences of Neo-Liberal Politics on Equality and Diversity at Work in Britain: Is Resistance Futile?

Abstract

In this chapter, we examine the interrelationship between politics of neo-liberalism and practices of equality and diversity at work. In so doing, we illustrate how macro-national politics, in particular the contemporary neo-liberal expansion, impact the definitions, activities, beneficiaries and overall impact of diversity management at the organisational level. The chapter focuses on three fundamental assumptions of neo-liberalism, beliefs in the utility of deregulation (voluntarism), individualism and competition in order to organise economic and social life. The chapter goes on to examine the reflection of these neo-liberal beliefs on construction of diversity management in contexts where neo-liberal politics dominate. The chapter concludes by a critical assessment of how diversity can be freed from the clutches of neo-liberalism, which merely serves to limit the repertoire and imagination of interventions for diversity management.

Citation

Özbilgin, M. and Slutskaya, N. (2017), "Consequences of Neo-Liberal Politics on Equality and Diversity at Work in Britain: Is Resistance Futile?", Chanlat, J.-F. and Özbligin, M.F. (Ed.) Management and Diversity (International Perspectives on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. 4), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 319-334. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2051-233320160000004015