A1 Journal article (refereed)
The rise of the owners and the neo-accumulationist imaginary : Changing perceptions of private wealth in Finnish business media, 1981–2021 (2024)

Kuusela, H. (2024). The rise of the owners and the neo-accumulationist imaginary : Changing perceptions of private wealth in Finnish business media, 1981–2021. Economy and Society, Early online. https://doi.org/10.1080/03085147.2024.2406088

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Kuusela, Hanna

Journal or series: Economy and Society

ISSN: 0308-5147

eISSN: 1469-5766

Publication year: 2024

Publication date: 08/11/2024

Volume: Early online

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03085147.2024.2406088

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/98258

Abstract

The rise of the super-rich has been a defining characteristic of recent decades. This paper analyses the cultural underpinnings of contemporary private wealth accumulation, by exploring the changes in how Finnish business media has approached wealth accumulation at the top. Drawing from cultural political economy and Bourdieu’s theory of the social space, it examines how private wealth and wealthy owners have been represented in Finnish business media between 1981 and 2021. The paper argues that the changes in the representations demonstrate a rise of a new imaginary, in which private wealth accumulation is valued and perceived as a desirable goal both for individuals and the society. Finally, these cultural changes might pave the way for a new economic regime that could be called neo-accumulationist, meaning a regime characterized by specific advantages for those with accumulated economic assets.

Keywords: wealth; media culture; inequality; rich people; ownership (societal properties)

Free keywords: ownership; super-rich; wealth; media representations; inequality; neo-accumulationism

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2024

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1