Writing a Response Reading Paper; Can society be commodities all the way down? Polanyian reflections on capitalist crisis by Fraser (2012),

Reading Response to  the Reading "Can society be commodities all the way down? Polanyian reflections on capitalist crisis" by Fraser (2012)

 Upon reviewing the reading “Can society be commodities all the way down? Polanyian reflections on capitalist crisis” by Fraser (2012), I noted how it scrutinizes the commodification of social relations by capitalism. Fraser's analysis explores capitalist societies' structural underpinnings and alternative economic arrangements. In the reading "Can society be commodities all the way down? Polanyian reflections on capitalist crisis”, Fraser's main argument is based on the Polanyian perspective, which asserts that excessive commodification poses a threat to social stability and cohesion. She argues that the rapid expansion of commodification into various aspects of human life is leading to a growing crisis in contemporary capitalist societies. Fraser insists that capitalism's inherent commodification drive, including social relations and nature, leads to destructive consequences for society, as per the Polanyian notion. 

A contending issue I noted in Fraser's analysis is the extent to which commodification is inevitable or reversible within capitalist societies. The Polanyian perspective suggests that capitalism's expansion towards commodification is inevitable, but critics argue that certain social and political interventions can counteract this trend (Fraser, 2012). Nonetheless, debates may arise regarding the compatibility of capitalism and social solidarity, with some arguing that capitalism can promote cooperation and mutual benefit despite commodification. Additionally, Fraser's argument is intertwined with broader discussions about the nature of capitalism and its alternatives. Some scholars challenge the notion that capitalism is prone to crises and commodification, citing successful regulation and social welfare programs in history and contemporary times. Others may argue that commodification can sometimes lead to efficiency gains and innovation, challenging her uniformly negative portrayal of it. 

I also noted that Fraser's critique of neoliberal ideology, which promotes unchecked commodification, is the most convincing aspect of her arguments. She warns against the detrimental effects of modifying vital aspects of human life like education and healthcare, thereby preserving social solidarity and democratic values (Fraser, 2012). Accordingly, Fraser's analysis addresses current issues of increasing inequality, environmental degradation, and the loss of public goods. However, the idea that capitalism is essentially unstable and prone to crises is perhaps Fraser's least persuasive claim. Although there is no denying that capitalism creates social and environmental problems, some would contend that it is also capable of change and adaptation. Fraser's thesis might also benefit from a more thorough examination of the difficulties and possible trade-offs associated with opposing commercialization in capitalist countries. 

Conclusively, the reading offers insightful perspectives on the conflicts between improvement and habitation, which are essential to comprehending the more general topics covered in the course on Business and Society in the Context of Globalization. A historical perspective that is crucial for understanding the intricacies of globalization is provided by Polanyi's investigation of societal evolution and the effects of economic systems on human life. Polanyi encourages a critical analysis of the relationship between business, society, and the state by exploring the dilemma between improvement which is symptomatic of capitalism market forces driving change and habitation, which represents established social institutions and traditions. This examination aligns with the course's objectives of analyzing the historical evolution and implications of the global economy on various societal facets.  

References

Fraser, N. (2012). Can society be commodities all the way down? Polanyian reflections on capitalist crisis.