New Religion #3 Neoliberalism as a Belief System

How do you challenge a belief system when you don’t yet realise you’re a devoted follower? In this third and final edition of the programme series New Religion, student-in-residence Sam Kailani uncovers the most pervasive belief system of our time: neoliberalism. Join us for an evening of critical reflection, interactive rituals, and, of course, free drinks and snacks.

We often imagine ourselves to be living in a secular age, yet we continue to subscribe, often unconsciously, to a strict ideology. In the church of the market, productivity becomes a virtue, output a form of salvation, and our personalities commodities to be optimised. A world without capitalism has become almost impossible to conceive. But if the economy functions as a faith, can we choose to stop believing?

This evening features two in-depth talks and a set of interactive interventions. Professor Wouter Hanegraaff will explore the historical roots of neoliberalism, while researcher Naomi Woltring will examine its impact on contemporary society. Throughout the programme, Sam Kailani will guide the audience through a series of “micro-rituals”: short, collective exercises designed to help us deconstruct our inner capitalist, ranging from sharing “Resumés of Failures” to practising “Anti-Networking.”

Practical information

The programme is open to everyone free of charge. We do kindly invite you to register due to limited capacity.

Guest speakers

Co-curator and moderator