The Atomized Worker: A New Form of Labor After the Neoliberal Turn Open Access

Abstract

This project theorizes the existence of the Atomized Worker: a new kind of educated, non-managerial knowledge worker created after the rise of neoliberalism whose work is characterized by insecurity, and involves a unique investment of affect and selfhood. I argue that because of these characteristics, Atomized Workers engage in a distinct form of labor, but that these workers do not yet constitute a social class of their own. In Section One, I chart the origins neoliberalism, from Taylorism and scientific management to the collapse of Fordism, and argue that the changing managerial ideology of the late 20th century created the conditions from which the Atomized Worker could arise. In Section Two, I examine the new world of work created by the neoliberal era, and argue that while the experience of work has changed across the board, its effects are most pronounced on the positions occupied by Atomized Workers. In Section Three, I elaborate on the experience and uniqueness of the Atomized Worker, and argue that because of their individualized condition, they do not yet have the power or cohesion of a socioeconomic class. Finally, I conclude with a discussion of the social and political importance of the category of the Atomized Worker, and argue that despite their lack of direct organizational power, Atomized Workers have the potential for solidarity.  

Table of Contents

Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………1

Section One: Origins of the New Paradigm ……………………………………………………...6

1.1 Taylorism and the Creation of Organized Labor ……………………………………. 6

1.2 Fordism, Growth and Hegemony …………………………………………………….8

1.3 The Neoliberal Shift: A New Capitalist Ideology …………………………………..13

Section Two: The New World of Work …………………………………………………………18

2.1 The International Picture ……………………………………………………………19

2.2 The New Experience of Work……………………………………………………….22

Section Three: The Atomized Worker………………………………………………………….. 31

3.1 Problems with “New” Class Analysis ………………………………………………32

3.2 Understanding the Condition of the AtomizedWorker………………………………39

Conclusion: Towards An Atomized Solidarity ………………………………………………….48

About this Honors Thesis

Rights statement

• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Emory College
Department	Philosophy
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Sociology, General Philosophy
Keyword	neoliberalism labor work class
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Joshua Mousie, Emory University
Committee Members	Tracy Scott, Emory University Michael Schwarz, Emory University

Last modified

Primary PDF

Thumbnail	Title	Date Uploaded	Actions
	The Atomized Worker: A New Form of Labor After the Neoliberal Turn ()	2025-04-11 13:04:33 -0400	Press to Select an action Download

Supplemental Files

Thumbnail	Title	Date Uploaded	Actions