Michel Houellebecq’s ‘neodecadent’ work criticises neoliberal economies, the decline of spirituality, and anti-ageing imperatives in the atheistic West. His dystopian narrative advocates for a sacrality grounded in ritual, resilience, and genuine connection and care.
Paper long abstract
This presentation focuses on contemporary French author Michel Houellebecq’s work, which exposes the speculative consequences of neoliberal competitive market economies and the decline of spirituality in the atheistic West. Drawing on the critical theory of social pathologies as well as gender and age studies, especially literary gerontology, it shows how his écriture grise challenges master discourses of ageing and reveals both capitalist seduction and the disposability of intimate relationships. The bleak portrayal of the deteriorating bodies of his frustrated and depressed middle-aged characters functions as an extended metaphor for today’s broader crises, including anti-ageing imperatives, a sex- and youth-obsessed society, the erosion of traditional family values. This presentation demonstrates how literature serves as a critical space for confronting contemporary social pathologies and declining sacralities. It argues that Houellebecq’s dystopian futuristic narratives, often considered neodecadent and apocalyptic, ultimately advocate for spirituality grounded in ritual, resilience, and community, as well as for genuine human connection and care as a foundation for more sustainable futures and meaningful relationships.