Calculus Quote by Judith Butler
“One of the things that neoliberalism does is, it relies on flexible workforces who are hired and fired at will and who are basically disposable labor. You can use them. You can get rid of them. They have no rights; they have no security. Their lives and well-being are made and unmade at the whim of those who are exercising the calculus. So, instead of looking at the institution and objecting to that kind of organization, people just go, "I'm a failure;"; "I'm not working hard enough"; or, "I'm not as smart as the next person."”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on Neoliberal Labor, 2015
Neoliberalism treats workers as interchangeable, lacking rights and security, shifting blame onto individuals for systemic failures.
In simple terms: Workers are seen as disposable, and failures are blamed on them.
Key Takeaway
Recognize systemic causes, demand collective protections.
Themes
labor rights
neoliberalism
individual responsibility
economic precarity
social justice
Mood
critical
reflective
urgent
Type
political
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- activism
- policy reform
- union organizing
- public awareness
- education campaigns
Key Concepts
flexible workforce
disposable labor
rights erosion
psychological impact
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we shift focus from personal failure to systemic change?
- What policies protect workers from disposability?
A Different Perspective
Individual blame ignores structural inequality and can hinder solidarity.
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