Expelling mistake: the costs of hardline immigration policy
Aug 9, 2024
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Join Callum Williams, a senior economics writer specializing in immigration policy, and Max Norman, the culture correspondent with a knack for breakdancing history. They unravel the complexities behind the rising hardline immigration policies in wealthy nations and their economic fallout. The conversation also spotlights the cultural journey of breakdancing to Olympic fame, reflecting on its roots in the Bronx. These discussions highlight the tension between public sentiment, policy-making, and the evolving landscape of cultural expressions.
The podcast discusses the surge in migration to wealthy nations, highlighting the economic risks associated with hardline immigration policies and public sentiment towards deportation.
It also explores the decline of major dating apps, where users seek more authentic connections and express dissatisfaction with the current swiping culture.
Deep dives
The Decline in Online Dating Popularity
Recent trends indicate a decline in the popularity of major online dating apps, with significant drops in growth rates compared to previous years. For instance, Match Group reported a mere 4% growth year-on-year, down from 24% in 2021. Users are expressing dissatisfaction with the services, citing concerns over the quality of matches and a reluctance to pay for subscriptions. Many individuals are also experiencing fatigue with the swiping culture, leading them to seek alternative and more meaningful ways to connect offline.
Economic Impact of Immigration Policies
Recent immigration dynamics within wealthy nations have resulted in a surge of over 15 million people migrating in the last three years, sparking controversy and debate over immigration policies. A significant number of residents in countries like the U.S. now support deporting undocumented immigrants, reflecting a broader anti-immigration sentiment. There are concerns that such policies may lead to economic disruption, particularly if large numbers of working immigrants are removed from labor-intensive industries. Restrictions on family reunification and educational avenues for migrants have begun to take shape as countries respond to political pressure, emphasizing the complex relationship between immigration and economic stability.
Breakdancing's Olympic Debut and Cultural Significance
Breakdancing, or breaking, has made its official debut as an Olympic sport, a recognition stemming from its cultural roots in the 1970s hip-hop movement. The sport's journey to inclusion in the Olympics has garnered attention for its focus on self-expression while raising concerns about commercialization and cultural appropriation. The 2018 Youth Olympic Games paved the way for structuring qualifying criteria, highlighting the need for a balance between genuine cultural representation and the demands of Olympic standards. As breaking gains global visibility, practitioners hope it will lead to increased opportunities and sponsorships, further solidifying its place in contemporary culture.
The rich world is experiencing record migrant flows—and the attendant social upheaval. Finding immigration policies that are not economically ruinous is damnably hard. Our three-part series starts to unpack why people are so fed up with the big dating apps (11:10). And the head-spinning history of how break(danc)ing became an Olympic sport (18:44).