This paper uses Bourdieu’s concept of cultural capital to index the declining authority of the humanities to the rise in economic logic of neoliberalism.  Looking at the institutions and practices that elevate the discourse of economics over alternative modes of assigning value (namely, ethics and politics), Lavin argues that the esteem of the social sciences—and of economic science in particular—derives primarily not from their methodological rigor or verifiable results, but rather from the persistent efforts of a cultural infrastructure that promotes a distinctive approach to value.

Chad was tenured in Political Science before joining UB as Associate Professor of English. He has published two books, The Politics of Responsibility (Illinois 2008) and Eating Anxiety: The Perils of Food Politics (Minnesota 2013), along with essays on a variety of topics in political theory. His current project explores the role of academic disciplines in navigating the interface of ethics, economics, and politics.

Join us at Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center for our eighth year of Faculty Fellows talks! This lecture series brings current UB humanities research out into the community – with complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres. Free and open to the public.