KQED's Forum cover image

KQED's Forum

Yoni Appelbaum’s Book “Stuck” Argues that Progressive Policies Have Frozen Social Mobility

Feb 18, 2025
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.
57:52

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode