Moral objections to competition in labor market, education and health care
In her dissertation, philosopher Yvette Drissen examined the ethical consequences of competitive practices in various sectors of society. She argues that competition can not only corrupt, but also comes with opportunity costs and large psychological and emotional costs, alienating people from each other.
The dissertation questions the naturalness with which competition is embraced in the labor market, education, health care and academia. She shows that the moral problems associated with competition are not merely unfortunate side effects that we should take for granted, but rather are inherent in the very nature of competition.
Taking moral objections seriously
In a comprehensive evaluative framework that builds on philosophical, empirical and economic insights, she shows that moral objections to competition must be taken seriously even when competition is organized fairly. In doing so, she also highlights the institutional implications of competition. The study not only gives meaning to philosophical discussions of competition, but also translates them into concrete applications in practice.
Academia in the Netherlands serves as a case study, in which Drissen evaluates policy proposals and initiatives aimed at reducing competition in the early stages of an academic career. Her work contributes to the broader discussion of the impact of competition on individuals and social structures.
Contact
Yvette Drissen received her doctorate on Feb. 16, 2024. The title of her dissertation is When Success Becomes the New Normal: The Competitive Society and its Symptoms. For more information, contact Tineke Bennema, persvoorlichters@tilburguniversity.edu or at tel 0134668998.