Neoliberalism in Political Cartoons

Abstract

Neoliberalism is a political and ideological concept that is often used in sociology but which can be intimidating for undergraduate students. This in-class activity helps students to identify the various concepts associated with neoliberalism and to begin to analyze these concepts by exploring political cartoons. The use of political cartoons provides...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Economic Sociology, Political Economy, Political Sociology

Resource Type(s):

Class Activity

Class Level(s):

Any Level

Class Size(s):

Medium, Small

Usage Notes

This activity could be used in a variety of ways and classrooms:

• 
  
• For discussion-based small or medium sized classes (under 50 students), the in-class activity and discussion could be used for a full session to introduce students to the concepts of neoliberalism
  
• It is possible to do this activity in a larger...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Identify the basic concepts associated with neoliberalism.
2. Analyze the consequences of neoliberal policies and ideologies.
3. Reflect holistically on how neoliberal policies impact different groups of people

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Students will use political cartoons to identify the concept of neoliberalism that is present in the cartoon. In a class discussion, students who fulfill this learning goal will accurate identity at least one concept in each cartoon.
2. After identifying at least one neoliberal concept in the cartoon, students will discuss the critique the cartoonist is communicating about the concept. In their small group, students will discuss this critique, following a series of prompts. The professor can assess student learning through a large-group discussion of each concept and its critiques.
3. In a short, individual in-class writing, students will be asked to reflect holistically on the benefits and harms of neoliberal policies to various groups of people (particularly in regards to social class).