"Econ 102" with Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg Progressivism: Past, Present, Future
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Oct 23, 2024 Dive into the fascinating evolution of American progressivism, exploring its origins and potential resurgence in the 2030s. Discover the contrasting dynamics between grassroots activism and AstroTurf movements, with insights on movements like Fight for 15 and Black Lives Matter. Reflect on the Me Too movement's impact on social change and the challenges it faces. Finally, unpack the need for progressivism to prioritize class issues, and envision a future where historical activism informs today's political landscape.
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Progressivism's Trajectory
- Noah Smith discusses the trajectory of the progressive movement in America.
- He argues that while the world has become more left-leaning since 2012, it hasn't progressed as much as it did by 2020.
Roots of Modern Progressivism
- Modern progressivism is rooted in various movements since the 80s, including gay rights, feminism, and Black activism.
- These movements built gradually, with Black activism gaining significant momentum in the 2010s.
Marx and the 1848 Revolutions
- Smith uses the example of Karl Marx and the 1848 revolutions to illustrate how intellectuals often follow grassroots movements.
- Marx provided a framework for the revolutionaries, crystallizing their class resentments.