Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer cover image

Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer

The Middle-Out Moment Is Still Here

Mar 25, 2025
Nidhi Hegde, Executive Director of the American Economic Liberties Project, shares insights on the need for an anti-monopoly agenda to combat economic inequality. Harry Holzer, a labor market economist from Georgetown, delves into the complexities of post-COVID inflation and its implications on the economy. Mary Beth Maxwell emphasizes the importance of centering care in policy, advocating for a robust care agenda. The guests explore strategies for dismantling corporate power and empowering communities for a more inclusive economic future.
47:06

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Emphasizing middle-out economics is crucial for economic growth, as investing in the middle class is vital for reducing inequality.
  • Addressing the care economy as a public good is imperative, as effective policies can boost workforce participation and enhance quality of life.

Deep dives

Reassessing Economic Theories

Economic inequality and political instability are attributed to decades of ineffective economic policies, particularly trickle-down economics, which have failed to address the needs of the middle class. Instead, a shift toward middle-out economics is proposed, emphasizing that the middle class is essential for economic growth. This perspective suggests that the focus should be on strengthening the economic position of the middle class rather than relying on wealth trickling down from the top. The idea is that by investing in the middle class, the overall economy will flourish, providing sustainable growth and reducing inequality.

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