Never enough: neoliberalizing Namibian middle-class marriages

Abstract Neoliberal ideologies have not only transformed the Namibian economy but also reconfigured some of most intimate domains everyday life. In course last forty years, marriage in Namibia has changed from a widespread and affordable life transition to costly celebration middle-classness. To be married today is sign middle-class achievement, lifestyle prosperity. The downside these accomplishments middle classes’ fear failing, especially through divorce. Although divorce rates are low, couples interviewed 2015–16 Windhoek were anxious about such an end marriage. order prevent loss lifestyle, neoliberalized their marriages. With often cruel determination, many worked as hard they could optimize themselves, marriages kin relations. They trimmed bodies, enhanced communications skills supported kin. As it remained unclear, however, how much optimizing would indeed enough, attempts at self-formation had Sisyphus-like quality. This article builds on growing literature lived experiences African classes, focusing neoliberalization shaping new ethics personhood.