Hardy, Jean-Pierre

The commodification of the social sector: False evidence but true doxa of social work - 2021.


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The dominant cognitive order in the social sector has designated an enemy: commodification. This doxa ignores the facts. Also, the evocative force of words replaces rational reflection, and behind a discourse purporting to be truthful is a discourse producing an effect of truth.As in all sectors, whether commercial or not, the social sector is an arena where social interests, unequally mobilized and powerful, struggle to increase their material gains, but also to defend and expand their professional territory and their place in the hierarchy of competing socio-professional groups.While entrepreneurial isomorphism has replaced administrative isomorphism, the social sector remains under corporatist hegemony. Bureaucratic control has not been replaced by a free market. Real competition in interests is stifled by the false homology of interests between users and professionals.