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Article
From paper to plastic: electronic benefits transfer as technology of neoliberalization
Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies
  • Kathleen P. Hunt, Iowa State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Version
Accepted Manuscript
Publication Date
6-16-2016
DOI
10.1080/14791420.2016.1194521
Abstract

This analysis refocuses attention to the relationship between neoliberal government practice and co-conditioning rhetorical consequence through examination of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT). Operating by a plastic card similar to consumer debit cards, EBT opens new possibilities of consumption for those receiving Food Stamps. Rather than simply signaling a disciplining governmentality, electronic food assistance functions as a technology of neoliberalization, proffering the potentiality of social equity while (re)instantiating class boundaries. I appropriate the finance term securitization to specify the disposal of liberalist logics that transform the poor from economic risk to state asset while also leaving the conditions of poverty and food insecurity unchallenged.

Comments

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies (2016), available online at: http:dx.doi.org/10.1080/14791420.2016.1194521.

Copyright Owner
Taylor & Francis
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Kathleen P. Hunt. "From paper to plastic: electronic benefits transfer as technology of neoliberalization" Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies (2016) p. 1 - 20
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kathleen-hunt/6/