Nancy MacLean, a historian focused on democracy and economic inequality, joins Edward Balleisen, an expert in regulation history, economist Brad DeLong, corporate responsibility advocate Marjorie Kelly, and policy analyst Oren Cass. They unravel how neoliberalism has shaped the perception of a rigged economy, dissecting its origins and Reagan's lasting legacy. The discussion explores labor disparities, financialization's role in wealth inequality, and the impact of globalization on American jobs, uncovering the complex threads of economic dissatisfaction in contemporary society.
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Quick takeaways
The podcast highlights widespread public sentiment that the economy is perceived as 'rigged' to favor corporations and the wealthy.
It discusses the historical shift towards neoliberalism that has contributed to significant wealth disparity and job losses in America.
Deep dives
The Limitations of Opinion Polls
Opinion polls often fail to capture the true sentiments of the public regarding the economy. Individuals may answer questions based on personal circumstances rather than economic indicators. For instance, younger respondents might assess economic health based on personal challenges, such as unaffordable rent and job insecurity. This disconnect suggests that many citizens view the economy as 'rigged,' benefiting specific groups like the wealthy and corporations, irrespective of broader economic metrics.
The Neoliberal Shift in Economic Policy
The emergence of neoliberalism in the U.S. is often traced back to the 1980s, coinciding with Ronald Reagan's presidency. This shift represented a departure from the mixed economy policies of the post-World War II era, favoring deregulation and reduced government intervention. Influential figures, such as Milton Friedman, promoted the idea that the primary responsibility of businesses is to maximize profits, leading to widespread changes in corporate governance. The lasting repercussions of these policies have resulted in a growing wealth gap and a perception that the economy disadvantages average citizens.
Impact of Financialization and Job Losses
The phenomenon of financialization has had a profound impact on the U.S. economy, diverting wealth towards financial assets rather than productive investment. As corporations prioritize short-term profits, many industries have seen significant job losses, particularly in manufacturing. Globalization has exacerbated this trend, with companies moving jobs overseas to cut costs, leading to the closure of thousands of plants and millions of jobs lost domestically. The result is a hollowed-out middle class and increased financial insecurity for many workers, contributing to societal discontent.
Rising Inequality and Public Awareness
The widening gap between the rich and poor in America is a critical issue that is often underestimated by the public. Recent research highlights alarming statistics, like the top 0.1% of families owning as much wealth as the bottom 90%. Despite a booming economy, a significant portion of wealth has been siphoned off, primarily benefiting the affluent. The awareness of this inequality is gradually increasing, but many Americans still remain unaware of the extent of the crisis, raising questions about future societal stability and potential reforms.
After 40 years of neoliberalism, most Americans of every political stripe agree that the economy is “rigged” in favor of corporations and the wealthy. But we may not know the half of it.
By John Biewen, with co-host Ellen McGirt. Interviews with Nancy MacLean, Edward Balleisen, Brad DeLong, Marjorie Kelly, and Oren Cass. Story editor: Loretta Williams. Music by Michelle Osis, Lilli Haydn, Chris Westlake, Alex Symcox, and Goodnight, Lucas. Music consulting by Joe Augustine of Narrative Music.
"Capitalism” is a production of the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University, in partnership with Imperative 21.
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