ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Criticism of neoliberalism

Okay kiddo, let me explain what "neoliberalism" means first. Neoliberalism is a way of thinking about the economy and the government that became really popular in the 1980s. People who believe in neoliberalism think that the government shouldn't do too many things to help businesses or people, because they believe that businesses will be more successful and make more money if the government doesn't get in their way.

Criticism of neoliberalism means that some people don't think this is a good way to run the economy. They believe that the government should play a bigger role in making sure things are fair and equal for everyone. Here are some of the reasons that people might criticize neoliberalism:

- In some cases, when the government doesn't regulate businesses enough, companies can make decisions that hurt people and the environment. For example, a company might start using chemicals that are dangerous for the people who work there or for the people who live nearby. Some people believe that the government should be doing more to prevent this kind of harm.

- When the government doesn't provide enough support for people who are struggling, it can lead to really bad outcomes. For example, if people don't have access to good healthcare, they might get sicker and miss more work. This can make it hard for them to earn money and take care of their families. Some people believe that the government should be doing more to help people who are struggling.

- Some people think that when the government doesn't regulate businesses enough, it can actually hurt the economy in the long run. If companies are allowed to make decisions that hurt people and the environment, it can create big problems that end up costing more money to fix later. Some people believe that the government should be doing more to prevent these kinds of problems.

Overall, people who criticize neoliberalism believe that the government should be doing more to make sure that everyone has a fair chance to succeed. They think that the economy will be stronger if everyone has access to things like healthcare, education, and a safe environment to work in.