Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer cover image

Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer

The Guarantee (with Natalie Foster)

Nov 12, 2024
Natalie Foster, President and co-founder of the Economic Security Project and author of "The Guarantee," advocates for a guaranteed economic floor for all Americans. She discusses how ensuring essentials like healthcare and housing can boost the economy. Topics include the widening wealth gap, the role of care work, and innovative ideas like baby bonds. Foster also highlights the effects of COVID-19 on economic policy, arguing that universal income may be key to a fairer, more stable society.
38:49

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast emphasizes the importance of middle-out economics as a necessary approach to combat rising inequality and enhance the overall economy.
  • It explores the concept of economic guarantees as a way to ensure basic needs like housing and healthcare for all, promoting human flourishing beyond profit motives.

Deep dives

The Case for Middle-Out Economics

A fundamental shift in economic thinking is proposed, emphasizing the necessity of middle-out economics as a solution to rising inequality and political unrest. This approach underscores that a thriving middle class is essential for the health of the overall economy, suggesting that past economic theories that prioritized wealth creation from the top down have been detrimental. The discussion indicates that the success of movements like the $15 minimum wage at state and local levels demonstrates the viability of policies aimed at supporting the middle class. It suggests that when the middle class prospers, everyone benefits, including wealthy individuals.

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