Why We Feel Screwed: Immigration, Growth, and the Zero-Sum Mindset

Dec 8, 2025

Economist Sahil Chinoy, known for his extensive research on economic beliefs and zero-sum thinking, joins host Jerusalem Demsas to explore why many feel threatened by immigration. They dive into Chinoy's large study linking family histories, economic attitudes, and the rise of zero-sum perspectives among younger Americans. The discussion touches on how economic stagnation fuels a sense of scarcity and why certain policy topics trigger zero-sum instincts. They also examine the potential for shifting these entrenched beliefs through persuasion and policy change.

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INSIGHT

Zero-Sum Worldview Explained

Zero-sum thinking treats gains for some as losses for others and appears across race, class, immigration, and trade debates.
Sahil Chinoy links these beliefs to family histories, local experiences, and long-term economic stagnation rather than simple ignorance.

INSIGHT

History Shapes Economic Mindsets

Chinoy argues zero-sum attitudes are shaped by multigenerational economic mobility, immigration experiences, and histories like slavery.
These deep cultural and historical forces make zero-sum beliefs persistent and meaningful, not merely irrational.

ANECDOTE

Family Histories And Coercion

Chinoy notes family histories of coercion like enslavement and internment strongly correlate with more zero-sum beliefs.
He frames Black Americans and others with coercive pasts as groups whose historical experiences raise zero-sum outlooks today.

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Why do so many people believe immigrants are screwing them even when the evidence says otherwise? Economist Sahil Chinoy joins host Jerusalem Demsas to break down his massive 20,000-person study on zero-sum thinking — the worldview that assumes someone else’s gain must be your loss.

They dig into how family histories of enslavement and immigration shape attitudes today, why young Americans are so much more zero-sum than older generations, and how economic stagnation fuels a sense of scarcity. They also explore why some policy fights (housing, redistribution, trade) trigger zero-sum instincts more than others, and what can actually shift those beliefs. If you want to understand the psychology and politics behind America’s “fixed-pie” debates, this episode is a must-listen.

The Argument is a podcast dedicated to honest, unflinching debate about the biggest questions facing democracy, culture, and our future. As the host, Jerusalem Demsas brings together voices across the political spectrum to argue, challenge, and persuade. Each episode is a space where disagreements are confronted directly, with clarity and conviction, rather than hidden or shouted down.

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Articles, studies, and posts referenced in the episode can be found on our website.

The Argument's production team includes Ranjani Chakraborty, Mylan Cannon, Isabella Pereira, Angela Tracy, Eli Richman, and Kate Crawford with music by Breakmaster Cylinder. If you want to hear more of The Argument, you can become a subscriber at The ArgumentMag.com.