Yoni Appelbaum’s Book “Stuck” Argues that Progressive Policies Have Frozen Social Mobility
Feb 18, 2025
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Yoni Appelbaum, deputy executive editor at The Atlantic and author of ‘Stuck,’ dives into the stagnation of social mobility in America. He discusses how historical factors and progressive policies have contributed to a lack of movement, trapping people in place. Appelbaum highlights the challenges of urban housing development, zoning laws, and the economic divide between regions. He advocates for standardized regulations and urban reforms, while emphasizing the importance of both physical and digital community connections.
Yoni Appelbaum argues that the decline in American social mobility is linked to restrictive housing policies and zoning laws.
Rising housing costs disproportionately impact lower-wage workers, reducing their ability to pursue opportunities in economically prosperous regions.
The stagnation of geographic mobility contributes to decreased civic engagement, isolating long-term residents and undermining community involvement.
Deep dives
The Concept of Mobility in American History
Mobility has been a defining characteristic of American life, allowing individuals to pursue opportunities and redefine their identities. Historically, Americans enjoyed significant freedom of movement compared to the fixed social structures of European societies. In the 19th century, approximately one in three Americans relocated annually, while that number dropped significantly to one in 13 by last year. This decline in mobility correlates with the stagnation of civic involvement and highlights a growing disconnection from the dynamic spirit that once characterized American communities.
Economic Barriers to Mobility
Rising housing costs have created significant economic barriers that discourage movement in search of better opportunities. For instance, while higher-skilled workers, like lawyers or engineers, can still find better-paying jobs when relocating to expensive areas like the Bay Area, lower-wage workers face prohibitive housing costs that negate any financial benefits of moving. Many find themselves unable to afford housing, contributing to a decrease in geographic mobility and a stagnation of social mobility. This issue is illustrated by the struggles of those who, despite potential employment opportunities, cannot afford to establish themselves in economically prosperous regions.
The Impact of Residential Stability on Civic Life
The decrease in geographic mobility has correspondingly affected civic engagement within communities. Historical patterns reveal that new residents often join local organizations, contributing to a vibrant civic life that fosters connection and participation. However, residential stability leads to disengagement, where long-term residents may become isolated and less involved in community activities. This trend has created communities characterized by atrophy and a decline in social cohesion, ultimately diminishing democratic participation and support for local initiatives.
Zoning Laws and Inequality
Zoning laws have historically been used to perpetuate inequality and restrict housing opportunities, often targeting marginalized groups. The origins of zoning can be traced back to efforts to segregate communities based on race, such as the case of the Chinese laundries in Modesto, California. Laws designed to manage land use have enabled wealthier residents to maintain exclusive neighborhoods while sidelining those seeking affordable housing. This entrenched system continues to limit the development of diverse housing options, exacerbating the crisis of affordability faced by many today.
The Path Forward for Housing Solutions
Addressing the current housing crisis requires significant changes in policy, particularly regarding zoning and development regulations. Standardizing housing rules and promoting the construction of diverse housing types can alleviate the shortage of affordable units. Furthermore, ensuring that communities welcome growth while preserving green spaces is essential for creating sustainable and inclusive environments. A movement towards collaborative reform, driven by local residents and policymakers, can restore mobility and opportunity, allowing future generations to thrive within their communities.
Picking up stakes and moving somewhere new was once so common in America that cities had a designated “Moving Day” when thousands of tenants would move house on the same day. Often whole blocks of residents would change addresses, with moving boxes and bags littering the streets. But in the last 50 years, more Americans have stayed in place. Not by choice, but by a lack of social mobility, according to Atlantic writer Yoni Appelbaum. Regions with opportunities lack affordable housing. Cities with abundant cheap housing lack opportunities. In his new book, “Stuck: How the Privileged and the Propertied Broke the Engine of American Opportunity,” Appelbaum contends that it is progressive policies that have stood in the way of progress. We talk to Appelbaum.
Guests:
Yoni Appelbaum, deputy executive editor, The Atlantic; he is the author of "Stuck: How the Privileged and the Propertied Broke the Engine of American"
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