The Age of Indifference (1980 - 2024) began with the rise of neoliberal economic ideas in the late twentieth century and was characterised by a growing belief that markets should take precedence over collective action.
During this period, governments increasingly withdrew from responsibilities that had previously been regarded as public obligations. Economic success was often measured by growth, profitability, and financial performance rather than by well-being, security, or social cohesion.
The individual increasingly became responsible for risks that had once been shared collectively. Housing, pensions, education, health, and employment became more market-driven. Citizens were increasingly treated as consumers, while public services were expected to mimic private markets.
At the same time, inequality widened, wealth became increasingly concentrated, and many forms of social solidarity weakened. Economic policy was often framed around competition, efficiency, and fiscal restraint rather than care, resilience, or mutual support.
Although the period delivered significant technological change and increased wealth for some, it also generated insecurity, loneliness, political alienation, environmental degradation, and declining trust in institutions.
The defining feature of the Age of Indifference was not necessarily hostility towards others. Rather, it was the belief that the problems faced by others were largely their own responsibility.
The defining political question of this era was how might individuals succeed in a competitive world?
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