Who among the following coined the phrase ‘soft capitalism’?

The correct option is Nigel Thrift.

The term "soft capitalism" was coined by the British geographer and social theorist Nigel Thrift in the late 1990s. Thrift used this phrase to describe a significant shift in the structure and operation of modern capitalism, particularly since the late 20th century.
Under soft capitalism, the traditional, rigid, and highly bureaucratic structures of early industrial capitalism (often referred to as "hard" capitalism) are replaced by more flexible, network-based, and knowledge-oriented forms of organization. This system emphasizes qualities like adaptability, continuous learning, emotional intelligence, and cultural management within corporations.

To better understand why Nigel Thrift is the correct answer, we can briefly look at the other scholars listed in the options:
1. Louis Althusser: A French Marxist philosopher best known for his concepts of "Ideological State Apparatuses" (ISAs) and structural Marxism.
2. Slavoj Žižek: A Slovenian philosopher and cultural critic known for his work combining Lacanian psychoanalysis, Hegelianism, and Marxist critique of ideology and global capitalism.
3. Terry Eagleton: A prominent British literary theorist and critic known for his Marxist interpretations of literature and culture.