A left Critique of Neoliberalism and Resistance in Hamid’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist

Abstract

Neoliberalism, as a latest phase of capitalism, is countered by the recent left. Using the paradigm of the recent left critique that is a kind of “neo-Marxist” critique against neoliberalism, the present study aims to investigate the novel The Reluctant Fundamentalist’s critique and resistance towards neoliberalism. According to the left critique, neoliberalism advances the interests of corporate elites, dominant groups and states and has negative consequences for the working classes and peripheral societies that ultimately results in schism. The findings shows that the novel reveals that neoliberalism promotes the wellbeing of prosperous corporations and the leading states, and it has negative implications for the working class and third-world countries. Consequently, neoliberalism engenders oppositions among the downtrodden towards the rich. The study is handy in exploring the contemporary left critique of neoliberalism in art works, particularly, in Anglophone Pakistani writings. Thus it is suggested to carryout further research in the area.