Die Sheldon die: The Big Bang Theory, everyday neoliberalism and Sheldon as neoliberal man. Issue 2 (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stratton, Jon
• Is Part Of: Journal for cultural research. Volume 20:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 171
• Page End: 188
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: The Big Bang Theory -- Sheldon -- Penny -- neoliberalism -- the fool -- ideology; Ethics -- Periodicals; Values -- Periodicals; Culture -- Periodicals; Intellectual life -- Periodicals; 306
• DOI: 10.1080/14797585.2015.1123515
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1479-7585

Abstract

Abstract : This article is about the very popular American sitcom The Big Bang Theory . It is focused on the ways that the economic assumptions of neoliberalism are made clear in the programme and how much of this process is linked to the character of Sheldon. I argue that Sheldon is a version of the literary trope of the fool. In this case, a person who is lacking in social skills and who therefore speaks the "truth" of his understanding of social situations. It is this understanding which, I argue is neoliberal. I am not arguing that The Big Bang Theory promotes neoliberalism. Rather, I am suggesting that, most probably unintentionally, the show lays out many of the key premises of neoliberalism, such as the importance of contracts, and enables audiences to consider these while laughing at the show.