New Books in Sociology cover image

Devin Fergus, “Land of the Fee: Hidden Costs and the Decline of the American Middle Class” (Oxford UP, 2018)

New Books in Sociology

CHAPTER

Economic Barriers and Deregulation

This chapter examines the economic obstacles faced by the American middle class since 1980, focusing on the rise of various fees in mobility, housing, education, and employment. It discusses the historical context of Black Power's influence on American politics, linking it to contemporary issues of financial accessibility shaped by deregulation laws like DITMA and the Garn-St. Germain Act. Furthermore, the chapter critiques the role of a powerful donor class in shaping regulations that prioritize institutional interests over consumer protection.

00:00
Transcript
Play full episode

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner