"Confidence culture constantly directs the problem & solution onto the self"

We explore how confidence culture has spread into every sector of society, from self-help to the workplace and beyond. 

Shani Orgad and Rosalind Gill draw on Foucault’s notion of technologies of self to demonstrate how “confidence culture” demands of women near-constant introspection and vigilance in the service of self-improvement. 

They argue that while confidence messaging may feel good, it does not address structural and systemic oppression. Rather, confidence culture suggests that women—along with people of color, the disabled, and other marginalized groups—are responsible for their own conditions. 

Rejecting confidence culture’s remaking of feminism along individualistic and neoliberal lines, Orgad and Gill explore alternative articulations of feminism that go beyond the confidence imperative:

"Change the world not, not the women"

References:

The cult of being confident and why it doesn’t help women: https://psyche.co/ideas/the-cult-of-being-confident-and-why-it-doesnt-help-women

Confidence Culture [book]: https://www.dukeupress.edu/confidence-culture

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Email us with feedback, questions, suggestions at itsnotjustinyourhead@gmail.com.

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Harriet’s other shows:

WBAI Interpersonal Update (Wednesdays): https://wbai.org/program.php?program=431

Capitalism Hits Home: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPJpiw1WYdTNYvke-gNRdml1Z2lwz0iEH

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ATTENTION! This is a Boring Dystopia/Obligatory 'don't sue us' message: This podcast provides numerous different perspectives and criticisms of the mental health space, however, it should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your medical professional with regards to any health decisions or management.

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