University of Georgia Press Faith Based: Religious Neoliberalism and the Politics of Welfare in the United States (Geographies of Justice and Social Transformation): 11

Review Faith Based explores how the Religious Right has supported neoliberalism in the U.S. offering case studies of gospel rescue missions, religious charities in action in post-Katrina New Orleans, and more. . . . The result is a fine guide that discusses coalition building on the right as it relates to faith-based alternatives to welfare: a fine pick for any spirituality collection.--Midwest Book Review Faith Based is a welcome exploration of the complexities and tensions within the economic and social strains of the American right.--David K. Ryden "Political Science Quarterly "Faith Based presents a penetrating analysis of the 'fusion project' forged between the Religious Right and the true believers of free-market economics. Focusing on the contested field of social welfare policy, Hackworth takes us inside this sometimes unhappy but nevertheless consequential marriage, where rupture always seems more likely than rapture.--Jamie Peck "author of Constructions of Neoliberal Reason "At once a critical history of the more conservative arm of the contemporary Right; a penetrating sociopolitical analysis of the party's dismantling of social programs, particularly welfare; and a theoretical exploration of the ramifications thereof, Jason Hackworth's study is a timely and welcome addition to the crowded field of political tomes. . . . For those seeking to develop a more sophisticated engagement with an at times puzzling ideology, Faith Based is a necessary introduction.--Emily Wojcik "Plop! "Hackworth's study begins to remedy the absence of attention to religion within the critical scholarship on neoliberalism, and it will push this literature in a new and much-needed direction. Faith Based is very accessible and interesting, and it moves along nicely. It's a great book.--Jason Dittmer "author of Popular Culture, Geopolitics, and Identity "This insightful book explains the partial fusion of religious conservatism and libertarian economies in the US. . . . [It] will be valuable for research libraries, graduate students, and upper-level undergraduate students interested in religion and politics, social welfare, and nonprofit organizations.--D. B. Robertson "Choice "This is an interesting study of the interplay of religion, economics and politics.--Al Menendez "Journal of Americans for Religious Liberty " Product Description <p><em>Faith Based<em> explores how the Religious Right has supported neoliberalism in the United States, bringing a particular focus to welfare—an arena where conservative Protestant politics and neoliberal economic ideas come together most clearly. Through case studies of gospel rescue missions, Habitat for Humanity, and religious charities in post-Katrina New Orleans, Jason Hackworth describes both the theory and practice of faith-based welfare, revealing fundamental tensions between the religious and economic wings of the conservative movement.</p> <p>Hackworth begins by tracing the fusion of evangelical religious conservatism and pro-market, antigovernment activism, which resulted in what he calls “religious neoliberalism.” He argues that neoliberalism—the ideological sanctification of private property, the individual, and antistatist politics—has rarely been popular enough on its own to promote wide change. Rather, neoliberals gain the most traction when they align their efforts with other discourses and ideas. The promotion of faith-based alternatives to welfare is a classic case of coalition building on the Right. Evangelicals get to provide social services in line with Biblical tenets, while opponents of big government chip away at the public safety net. </p> <p>Though religious neoliberalism is most closely associated with George W. Bush’s Office of Faith-Based and Neighbourhood Partnerships, the idea predates Bush and continues to hold sway in the Obama administration. Despite its success, however, Hackworth contends that religious neoliberalism