Psychology of Neoliberalism and Polycrisis

Abstract Book of the 11th International Conference on Advanced Research in Social Sciences and Humanities

Year: 2026

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Psychology of Neoliberalism and Polycrisis

Dr. Severin Hornung, Thomas Höge, Christine Unterrainer

ABSTRACT:

This contribution conceptually and empirically elaborates the role of neoliberal ideology in the socio-ecological polycrisis from the perspective of applied, social, and political psychology. Research on political and economic ideologies and system justification theory is reviewed, focusing on crisis dynamics. The polycrisis is conceptualized as the compounding of ecological, economic, social, and political emergencies, culminating in threats to many liberal democracies by right-wing populist movements. Validated in Austria and Germany, the neoliberal ideological beliefs questionnaire comprises dimensions of individualism (self-reliance, self-interest), competition (dominating, outperforming others), and instrumentality (humans as means for economic ends). Consistent associations were found with social dominance orientation, political left-right self-placement, and support for conservative and right-wing populist parties. One study confirms that neoliberal beliefs function as system justification, counteracting environmental consciousness by precluding climate-protective behavior. Another study shows that neoliberal beliefs undermine solidarity and civic engagement for human rights of refugees, mediated by moral disengagement from their often inhumane and cruel treatment. In an interview study, individuals in precarious socio-economic situations endorsed neoliberal logics contradicting their social interests, combined with xenophobic stereotypes. Economic threats were projected onto migrants, scapegoated for lacking self-reliance (individualism), appropriating local resources (competition), and insufficient economic contributions (instrumentality). Results demonstrate how neoliberal ideology undermines ecological, social, and democratic attitudes and behaviors necessary for socio-ecological transformation. Social inequalities and tensions are reproduced in the mindsets of those deprived by the system. The amalgamation of free-market fundamentalism with authoritarian and crypto-fascist themes explains rising right-wing populism within advanced neoliberal societies in perpetual crisis.

Keywords: Democratic Backsliding; Neoliberal Ideological Beliefs; Political Psychology; Right-Wing Populism; System Justification Theory