Ichheiser's critique of success and the performance principle in a neoliberal competitive society

Markus Wrbouschek

pp. 137-155

in: Amrei Joerchel, Gerhard Benetka (eds), Memories of Gustav Ichheiser, Berlin, Springer, 2018

Abstract

In his works on the social and psychological conditions of success, Ichheiser develops a complex theory of human economic behavior that transcends the reductionism of traditional psychological approaches in measuring competences and performance in work-related environments. By introducing the distinction between factors that determine proficiency in a certain area and factors that determine (social) whether someone is actually successful, Ichheiser presents a theory of success that enables us to understand the basic mechanisms that govern the capitalist ideology of the hardworking individual. This chapter revisits Ichheiser's German works on success and shows how his theorizing can help us understand the social-psychological intricacies of today's labor relations.

Cited authors

Ichheiser Gustav