The implication of neoliberal love for familial obligation

Neoliberal individualist models of self/society promotes growth-oriented approaches to relationality that emphasize romantic self-expression, exploration, and mutual fulfillment as the foundation of love. These tendencies influence how people construct their relationships, as well as their ideas of interpersonal obligation. This study investigated the conceptions of love and eldercare among N = 219 participants from U.S. settings. Results revealed hypothesized patterns, such that a neoliberal orientation to love-which was operationalized as a value emphasis on expression, exploration, and emotional support versus sacrifice, obligation, and material support-was negatively associated with tendency to prioritize care to a parent. This data supports prior research showing that neoliberalism is compatible with a greater emphasis on personal interests and needs for growth over maintenance of interpersonal networks through obligation.