Radio Atlantic Americans Are Stuck. Who's to Blame?
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Feb 20, 2025 Yoni Applebaum, author of "Stuck," dives into the decline of American mobility and its societal implications. He explores how economic pressures have trapped people in place, shattering the quintessential American dream of moving up. The conversation highlights the historical evolution of mobility, the urban struggles in areas like Lower Manhattan, and the unintended consequences of gentrification. Applebaum challenges perceptions of community change and reflects on the complex relationship between mobility and social connections in contemporary America.
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Mobility and the American Dream
- Mobility defines the American project because it represents the pursuit of a better life.
- It signifies the belief that individuals can change their destinies by changing their location, not being bound by birth circumstances.
19th-Century Moving Day
- 19th-century "Moving Day" saw mass relocations, with renters leveraging simultaneous lease expirations.
- Families piled possessions curbside, upgrading homes like modern consumers upgrade gadgets, creating a chaotic yet opportunistic scene.
Tenement Reform and Segregation
- Lower Manhattan's density and immigrant population prompted reformers to restrict tenement development.
- Using fire safety as a pretext, they implemented regulations to make tenement construction unaffordable, effectively segregating neighborhoods.
