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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
26:41
Perspectives on Neuroscience
Published on: July 31, 2007
The plastic brain: neoliberalism and the neuronal self
1Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York 10016, USA. vpitts@gc.cuny.edu
Health (London, England : 1997)
|October 27, 2010
Summary
Popular neuroscience emphasizes brain plasticity, but this discourse often promotes a neoliberal self. This framing encourages self-optimization and risk management, linking brain modification to citizenship and selfhood.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sociology of Science
- Critical Theory
Background:
- Popular neuroscience often presents the brain as both deterministic and plastic.
- Brain plasticity, the brain's ability to change, is a key concept in public understanding.
- Existing interpretations often overlook the socio-political implications of plasticity discourse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically analyze popular representations of brain plasticity.
- To examine how neoliberal ideologies shape the understanding and application of brain plasticity.
- To explore the concept of the 'neuronal self' within biomedical neoliberalism.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of popular neuroscience discourse.
- Application of governmentality theory.
- Examination of neoliberal frameworks in relation to brain science.
Main Results:
- Popular brain plasticity discourse is deeply intertwined with neoliberalism.
- This discourse promotes self-enhancement and risk avoidance strategies.
- It fosters a 'neuronal self' where biological modification is central to identity and citizenship.
Conclusions:
- The popular framing of brain plasticity serves neoliberal agendas.
- Understanding plasticity through governmentality reveals its role in shaping subjects.
- Biomedical neoliberalism positions biological engineering as essential for selfhood and societal participation.
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