Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 209 | Brad DeLong on Why the 20th Century Fell Short of Utopia
26 snips
Sep 5, 2022 Brad DeLong, an economics professor at UC Berkeley and author of "Slouching Towards Utopia," dives into the complexities of the 20th century's economic history. He discusses how despite technological advancements, society fell short of achieving a utopia, examining the tension between capitalism and social democracy. DeLong highlights pivotal transformations beginning in 1870, critiques market mechanisms versus social justice, and reflects on the impacts of inequality and the shifts marking the end of the long 20th century.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
1870 as Turning Point
- Technological advancements before 1870 yielded slow progress, hampered by population growth.
- A combination of factors like the research lab, corporation, and globalization led to rapid acceleration after 1870.
Pre-1870 Dangers of Childbirth
- Life before 1870, especially for women, was perilous due to high child mortality rates.
- Even queens, the most privileged women, faced significant risk during childbirth.
Pre-1870 Societal Structures
- Pre-1870 societies often relied on exploitation to ensure survival due to limited resources.
- Elites maintained power through control and manipulation, shaping historical narratives.
