From neoliberalism to neopopulism: how grassroots faith communities are resisting division and crossing borders

In this article, we argue that those distracted by a continual critique of neoliberalism have missed its transition into a more conservative and sinister form that we term neopopulism. We explore how neopopulism has emerged in recent decades as the neoliberal project has failed. The groups most failed by neoliberalism, capitalism and the meritocracy have been encouraged to blame each other rather than the systems that have failed them. In this context, fear of minority groups, including religious minorities, has grown. We go on to explore how our recent research with faith-based community workers provides evidence for how some faith groups are resisting division and bringing people together in resistance to both neoliberal and neopopulist values. Our research involved interviews with participants from a range of faith traditions, some who were volunteers and some who were paid professionals for faith-based organisations and focuses primarily on their engagement with young people. We conclude that while the practices of these faith-based community workers present a challenge to neopopulism, a more explicit resistance to the fear and suspicion borne out of this context is needed.