ABSTRACT
Competition is a key economic driver in neoliberal economies and hence a widely held social and cultural value. Neoliberalism sees competition as one of the defining characteristics of humanity. Commodification refers to the process by which goods, ideas – indeed, anything – can become a 'thing' with a commercial value that can be bought and sold, and subject to the influence of the market. In a culture that is driven by the social arrangement in which buying and selling of goods and services is not only the predominant activity of everyday life, but is also an important arbiter of social organisation, the commodification of distress and perceived deviance should come as no surprise. 'Scientism' is the belief in the universal applicability of the scientific method and approach, and the view that empirical science constitutes the most 'authoritative' worldview. Scientism reflects a tendency of putting too high a value on natural science in comparison with other branches of learning or culture.
