America's next top-job model: our election forecast
Jun 12, 2024
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Dan Rosenheck, Data editor at The Economist, dives into the latest statistical forecasts for the upcoming US presidential election, hinting at Donald Trump's potential second term. They also discuss exciting advancements in malaria vaccines, shedding light on ongoing public health struggles. Additionally, the conversation explores the rise of 'tradwives' on TikTok, revealing a fascinating cultural trend that embraces traditional gender roles. It’s a blend of politics, health, and societal shifts, sure to spark intrigue!
Emerging vaccines like R21 offer hope for combating malaria in Africa.
Social media trend 'tradwives' glorifies traditional gender roles, sparking debate on feminism and racial biases.
Deep dives
Fight Against Malaria in Africa
Despite progress in the fight against malaria since 2000, recent years have shown a reversal in this trend, with significant challenges still present. Factors such as plateaued funding, mosquito resistance to insecticides, and emerging drug resistance in the malaria parasite pose hurdles. Innovative tools like insecticide-treated bed nets, anti-malarial medicines, and new vaccines like R21 from Oxford University and the Serum Institute provide hope for combating the disease in Africa.
The Rise of Traditional Housewife Trend on Social Media
A trend on social media showcases young women embracing traditional housewife roles, emphasizing homemaking and catering to their husbands. Videos glorify domestic activities as leisure pursuits and advocate for women to prioritize household duties over careers. Despite its appeal and aesthetic presentation, critics highlight concerning messages around gender roles, anti-feminist perspectives, and potential racial biases within this trend.
Impact and Realization of the Traditional Housewife Lifestyle
While the traditional housewife trend gains popularity on social media, data indicates that women are not significantly leaving the workforce to adopt these roles. Economic factors and the necessity of dual incomes for many families play a crucial role in this reality. The trend's allure lies in offering a choice rather than a feasible lifestyle change for most women, with social media influencers capitalizing on the commercial aspects of promoting a traditional homemaking image.
We have dusted off and tuned up our forecast model for America’s presidential race. So far it gives Donald Trump a marginally higher chance of a second term. There is at last progress on not one but two vaccines to beat malaria (9:02). And a look at the “tradwives” of TikTok: passionate homemakers who prefer the gender roles of the past (15:10).