Introduction: Why voice and matter matter

In Why Voice Matters – culture and politics after neoliberalism (2010), British media scholar Nick Couldry pointed to the lack of means for people to voice their opinions under neoliberalism. He accused the media of, in fact, reinforcing neoliberal values. But, perhaps most importantly, he also claimed that gaining voice is not enough – neither for social change, nor for other visions of society to thrive. While voice, and the polyphony of concepts related to it – such as participation, agency, activism, narrative and artistic expression – is fundamental in any vision of democracy and a fair society, it is absolutely vital for those whose lives depend on the material conditions of development and social change. For them, gaining and exercising voice relates directly to critical matters like education, infrastructure, transportation, health services, food security and environmental damage....