Navigating the Complexity of Beliefs, News, and Decision-Making in Democracy

The latest economic indicators show a historically strong economy. Over the past couple of years, the unemployment rate has consistently stayed below 4%, real wages have been growing faster than they have in decades, and economic growth has been strong. And yet, public opinion surveys consistently show dissatisfaction with economic conditions. Aaron Sojourner, a labor economist from the Upjohn Institute, joins us to discuss his research findings into why Americans are so displeased with the economy. Aaron helps us unpack the complicated relationship between news coverage of the economy and its effect on consumer sentiment.

Aaron Sojourner is a labor economist and senior researcher at the Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. His research focuses on the effects of labor-market institutions, policies to promote efficient and equitable development of human capital, and behavioral economic approaches to consumer finance decisions. He’s also served as the senior economist for labor on the U.S. Council of Economic Advisers for Presidents Obama and Trump.

Twitter: @aaronsojourner

BlueSky: @aaronsojourner.bsky.social

Threads: aaronsojourner

Why are Americans so displeased with the economy?

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/why-are-americans-so-displeased-with-the-economy

Aaron’s thread on within-worker real wage growth on Threads:

https://www.threads.net/@aaronsojourner/post/C3OVo8FrDgV/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== 

Tax Subsidies for Journalism Are Only for Rich People: Perry Bacon Edition

https://cepr.net/tax-subsidies-for-journalism-are-only-for-rich-people-perry-bacon-edition

Website: http://pitchforkeconomics.com

Twitter: @PitchforkEcon

Instagram: @pitchforkeconomics

Nick’s twitter: @NickHanauer