In America, there's been an increase of available jobs, and there's also been a series of high-profile layoffs, strikes, and calls for unionization. The social safety net for workers is disappearing, so what can people do? Sean Illing speaks with Alissa Quart about her new book, Bootstrapped: Liberating Ourselves from the American Dream, about why people need to rid themselves of the American Dream's individualistic ideals and embrace dependence in order to succeed.Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), host, The Gray AreaGuest: Alissa Quart (@lisquart), author of nonfiction and poetry, and co-creator of the Economic Hardship Reporting ProjectReferences:  Bootstrapped: Liberating Ourselves from the American Dream by Alissa Quart (Harper Collins, 2023) Squeezed: Why Our Families Can’t Afford America by Alissa Quart (Harper Collins, 2019) Tailspin: The People and Forces Behind America’s Fifty-Year Fall–And Those Fighting To Reverse It by Steven Brill (Penguin Random House, 2018)  Enjoyed this episode? Rate The Gray Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear the next episode of The Gray Area. Subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Support The Gray Area by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcastsThis episode was made by:  Engineer: Patrick Boyd Editorial Director, Vox Talk: A.M. Hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alissa Quart challenges the self-made myth in America and emphasizes interdependence over individualism. She discusses the importance of community and solidarity in achieving democracy. The podcast explores how mutualism and cooperatives can empower communities and highlights the concept of participatory budgeting for local projects.

Explore real stories of economic precarity in 'Going for Broke', featuring essays by essential workers, military veterans, and others. Uncover the impact of income inequality on bodies, minds, and families, with introductions by influential voices. Dive into themes of labor reporting, pet ownership challenges, class disparities, and personal narratives of financial struggles.