The domestic, moral and political economies of post-Celtic Tiger Ireland

Provides an analysis of neo-liberal political economics implemented in Ireland and the deleterious consequences of that model

Provides an analysis of neo-liberal political economics implemented in Ireland and the deleterious consequences of that model

This book provides an analysis of neo-liberal political economics implemented in Ireland and the deleterious consequences of that model in terms of polarised social inequalities, impoverished public services and fiscal vulnerability as they appear in central social policy domains – health, housing and education in particular. Tracing the argument into the domains where the institutions are sustained and reproduced, this book examines the movement of modern economics away from its original concern with the household and anthropologically universal deep human needs to care for the vulnerable – the sick, children and the elderly – and to maintain inter-generational solidarity. The authors argue that the financialisation of social relations undermines the foundations of civilisation and opens up a marketised barbarism. Civic catastrophes of violent conflict and authoritarian liberalism are here illustrated as aspects of the 'rough beast' that slouches in when things are falling apart and people become prey to new forms of domination.

IntroductionPart I: Domestic economy1. Ireland’s haunted houses2. The values of house & home3. Foundations of Europe’s collective householdPart II: Moral economy4. Fair trade and free market5. Political theologies in the wake of the Celtic Tiger6. Conversion: turning towards a radiant ideaPart III: Political economy7. Pleonexic tyranny in Plato’s Republic and in the Irish republic8. Anamnesis for a New IrelandConclusionIndex