Melinda Cooper

In this discussion, Melinda Cooper, a sociologist and author, dives deep into her book on neoliberalism and its role in reshaping America’s fiscal landscape. She explores how this counter-revolution dismantled the gains of the 1960s, leading to class and racial hierarchies. Cooper highlights the significance of the 1970s fiscal crisis, the influence of Paul Volcker's policies, and the rise of asset appreciation over production. She also examines the politics behind property rights and the polarization within labor movements, shedding light on today’s economic disparities.

Melinda Cooper, a sociologist and author of "Counter-Revolution: Extravagance and Austerity in Public Finance," dives into the fiscal and monetary dimensions of neoliberalism. She describes how asset-driven capitalism arose post-1970s crisis, emphasizing tax cuts and anti-inflation policies that prioritized asset appreciation. Cooper explores the detrimental effects of class hierarchies fueled by property ownership, the cultural politics of the tax revolt, and the evolving dynamics of unions. This rich discussion connects economic shifts to broader social consequences.