An Adornian ideology critique of neo-liberal reforms to the English NHS

Abstract

In this article, I undertake an ideology critique of reforms to the English NHS within the neoliberal era. The critique draws primarily on the writings of the Frankfurt School philosopher Theodor Adorno. I use the method of ideology critique to explain the influences on and reasons for the reforms, the contradictions in government discourse and policy and the potential reifying effects of the reforms. I also use the method as a basis for conceiving alternatives.Adorno thought that ideology was becoming more positivistic, thereby rendering critique more difficult. I identify both liberal and positivistic elements within the discourse of successive governments pertaining to healthcare. Liberal norms (such as freedom and equality) within government discourse, and the law, concerning healthcare, continue to enable the critique of ideology and are a basis for conceiving alternatives to current neo-liberal policies, which have the potential to reify healthcare and undermine the solidarity underpinning the NHS.

Commentary: The Boy Who Cried Wolf or Cassandra? A Consideration of the Correct Characterization of Critics of Neoliberal Reforms to the English NHS

“… 4 As the UK government continues to valorize the founding principles of the NHS while enacting policies that undermine them, such principles are a means of critiquing government policy. 36 As public experience increasingly diverges from such principles—which, as mentioned above, can be viewed as a moral economy pertaining to health care within England—there may be a crisis of legitimacy. 2 As Roderick and Pollock state, the founding principles of the NHS also provide “a promising basis for continuing the vital and sustained campaigns to rebuild the NHS in England.” 4 One can only hope that, unlike Cassandra, the warnings of Roderick and Pollock are heeded.…”