The Ambiguity of Resistance: Civil Society Engagements with Neoliberalism by Jared Blustein B.A., Mount Royal University, 2013 Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences © Jared Blustein 2017 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY Spring 2017 Approval Name: Jared Blustein Degree: Master of Arts Title: The Ambiguity of Resistance: Civil Society Engagements with Neoliberalism Examining Committee: Chair: Dara Culhane Professor Yıldız Atasoy Senior Supervisor Professor Kathleen Millar Supervisor Assistant Professor Geoff Mann External Examiner Professor Department of Geography Date Defended/Approved: February 24, 2017 ii Ethics Statement iii Abstract Resistances to neoliberal capitalism primarily occur within the realm of civil society today. There are varying theories that speak to the ability of such resistances. On the one hand, a theory of neoliberal ontology posits an inescapable structure that delimits our capacity to effectively resist. On the other hand, a theory of intentional economy asserts an ability to contest and transform dominant structures. Through a qualitative semi-ethnographic extended-case study conducted with two para-capitalist organizations operating within southern British Columbia, this thesis examines and nuances notions of resistance via a Polanyian and Marxist theoretical framework, and advances an argument for a theory of the ‘politics of ambiguity’. This captures the simultaneous positionings of resistance groups within a neoliberal ontology and intentional economy form. As determined, these groups necessarily demonstrate ambiguity to varying degrees, on the one hand reproducing neoliberal paradigms and structures, while concurrently working to forge emancipatory realities and understandings. Keywords: Resistance to Capitalism; Neoliberalism; Para-capitalism; Substantivism; Neoliberal Ontology; Political Economy iv Dedication This work is dedicated to the relations that make life valuable. To my family, for shaping me and always being a source of great strength and confidence. To my friends, for providing a much needed and appreciated rest stop on the road of life. And to my partner in crime, for being an endless fount of laughter, joy, challenge, deliberation and support. You are a sanctuary amidst commotion, an oasis within the wilds. This is also dedicated to all those who keep fighting the good fight, no matter how futile it may seem at times. May you never despair of humanity, capitulate, or cease to love. v Acknowledgements I wish to acknowledge the ancestral, traditional and unceded Aboriginal territories of the Coast Salish Peoples upon which this project was conducted. In particular, the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations in Metro Vancouver, and the Quamichan, Comiaken, Koksilah, Somena, Clemclemluts, Khenipsen and Cowichan Bay Nations in the Cowichan Valley region on Vancouver Island. A great deal of gratitude is owed to my supervisory committee, Dr. Atasoy and Dr. Millar. Thank you for your seemingly endless patience, for constantly pushing me to go beyond simplistic and binary understandings and to recognize and appreciate the richness of the intermediate. Your guidance and support helped me better understand my research project and the world in which we live. Many thanks to the para-capitalist organizations that were involved in this study. Without your participation this research would not be possible. Your tireless dedication towards building a more just society is both an inspiration and source of hope for a brighter future. Funding for this project was attained in part via a Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada Joseph-Armand Bombardier CGS M scholarship. vi Table of Contents Approval ............................................................................................................................. ii Ethics Statement ............................................................................................................... iii Abstract ............................................................................................................................. iv Dedication .......................................................................................................................... v Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................... vi Table of Contents ............................................................................................................. vii List of Acronyms ............................................................................................................. viii Glossary ............................................................................................................................ ix Chapter 1. Introduction ............................................................................................... 1 Chapter 2. Understanding Resistance ....................................................................... 7 Prospects for Resistance ................................................................................................ 14 A Neoliberal Ontology ............................................................................................ 15 Intentional Economy ............................................................................................... 22 (Re)Thinking About Agency ................................................................................... 25 A Politics of Ambiguity ............................................................................................ 28 Relevance ....................................................................................................................... 32 Two Notes on Terminology ............................................................................................. 34 Chapter 3. Studying Resistance ............................................................................... 36 Methodology ................................................................................................................... 36 Methods .......................................................................................................................... 39 Data Sources & Data Generation ........................................................................... 39 Analysis .................................................................................................................. 46 Limitations & Advantages ............................................................................................... 47 Reflexivity & Researcher Role ........................................................................................ 49 Chapter 4. Cowichan Bio-Diesel Co-op: Fossil Fuel Fighters ............................... 52 Organizational Overview ................................................................................................. 52 Intentions, Commitments & Diagnostics ......................................................................... 56 ‘Prognostic Framings’ ..................................................................................................... 61 Alternative Propositionings ..................................................................................... 61 Strategies of Resistance ........................................................................................ 62 Discussion ....................................................................................................................... 79 A Politics of Ambiguity ............................................................................................ 79 Abilities & Emergent Transformative Possibilities .................................................. 81 Chapter 5. Spartacus Books: A Tool for Social Change ........................................ 85 Organizational Overview ................................................................................................. 85 vii Intentions, Commitments & Diagnostics ......................................................................... 89 ‘Prognostic Framings’ ..................................................................................................... 93 Alternative Propositionings ..................................................................................... 93 Strategies of Resistance ........................................................................................ 94 Organizational Structure ....................................................................................... 94 Resistance Practices ............................................................................................ 99 Discussion ..................................................................................................................... 114 A Politics of Ambiguity .......................................................................................... 114 Abilities & Emergent Transformative Possibilities ................................................ 116 Chapter 6. Conclusion ............................................................................................. 120 Interorganizational Consideration ................................................................................. 120 Discussion ..................................................................................................................... 126 Areas for Future Research