Libertarian populism, neoliberal rationality, and the mandatory long-form census: implications for sociology

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Date
2012
Authors
Ramp, William
Harrison, Trevor W.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Alberta Press
Abstract
This article argues the Canadian government’s decision in 2010 to eliminate the mandatory long-form census constitutes a mobilizing appeal to libertarian populism commensurate not only with neoliberal concepts of individualism, private property, and the role of the state, but also with a redefinition of what counts as valid argumentation and a legitimate basis for making knowledge claims. This rationale has implications for sociological research and theory, for the profession of sociology, and for a sociological vision of society.
Description
Open access
Keywords
Populism , Governmentality , Individualism , State , Property , Privacy , Long-form census
Citation
Ramp, W., & Harrison, T.W. (2012). Libertarian populism, neoliberal rationality, and the mandatory long-form census: implications for sociology. Canadian Journal of Sociology, 37(3), 273-294.