Economist Podcasts
Shun while it lasted: never-Trumpers’ fading sway
Sep 24, 2024
Rebecca Jackson, Southern correspondent for The Economist, and Jason Chow, foreign affairs writer, dive into the fading influence of never-Trumpers amid shifting political alliances. They discuss the challenges of rallying anti-Trump factions as Trump's base strengthens. In a lighter segment, they explore the booming luxury pet care industry and its humorous reflections on modern consumerism. Plus, they analyze China's retirement age increase, revealing its potential impact on childcare and the nation's demographic issues.
20:51
Episode guests
AI Summary
Highlights
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The shift in retirement age in China aims to address a pension crisis but complicates childcare and family planning due to longer-working grandparents.
- The rising luxury pet care market highlights changing consumer behavior, particularly among younger generations treating pets as family members and investing significantly in their well-being.
Deep dives
China's Retirement Age and Its Societal Impact
The Chinese government has raised the retirement age for the first time in decades to address its looming pension crisis, which is exacerbated by an aging population. Currently, over 20% of the population is over 60, with predictions that the pension fund could run out by 2035. This reform, however, poses challenges, particularly concerning childcare as many families rely on grandparents for infant care. With grandparents staying in the workforce longer, couples may delay having children, thus further diminishing China's already low fertility rate.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
