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Sophia Rosenfeld

University of Pennsylvania historian and author of 'The Age of Choice: A History of Freedom in Modern Life.' Her work explores the historical evolution and implications of choice in modern society.

Top 5 podcasts with Sophia Rosenfeld

Ranked by the Snipd community
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30 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 53min

Behind the News: The DEI Obsession w/ Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò

Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò, an associate professor of philosophy at Georgetown, and Sophia Rosenfeld, a history professor at the University of Pennsylvania, delve into the DEI phenomenon. They critique how corporate diversity initiatives often fail to address deep-rooted inequalities. The conversation touches on the tensions between tech workers and leadership, the superficiality of 'wokeness' among elites, and the historical evolution of choice in society. Listeners gain insight into the complexities of social justice and the changing dynamics of freedom in modern contexts.
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12 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 38min

Sophia Rosenfeld, "The Age of Choice: A History of Freedom in Modern Life" (Princeton UP, 2025)

Sophia Rosenfeld, a history professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author of "The Age of Choice," dives into the fascinating evolution of choice as a symbol of freedom. She discusses how the abundance of choices today has transformed our understanding of personal and political freedom. Exploring the historical roots, from its impact on women's autonomy to its role in American democracy, she reveals the paradoxes of choice, including the anxiety it causes amidst overwhelming options, and how it shapes our modern struggles for rights.
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10 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 41min

The Surprising Origins of Modern Freedom

Sophia Rosenfeld, a historian at the University of Pennsylvania and author of 'The Age of Choice,' dives into the evolution of freedom through the lens of personal choice. She explores how the Reformation shifted the concept of freedom from divine obedience to individual choice. Rosenfeld discusses the impact of consumer culture on gender and class, revealing how these dynamics have shaped societal norms. She also tackles modern dilemmas like the overwhelming abundance of choice and its implications for personal agency in debates on issues like abortion rights.
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Mar 31, 2025 • 50min

522. How The Invention of Choice Unlocked Freedom with Sophia Rosenfeld

Sophia Rosenfeld, a history professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author of "The Age of Choice," explores how our understanding of choice has shaped freedom. She discusses the historical role of choice in consumerism and politics, and how it initially gained a feminine reputation. The conversation delves into the paradox of choice, where having options can be both empowering and coercive, particularly in areas like sex work. Rosenfeld also critiques the moral implications of choice, urging a deeper look into whether more options genuinely lead to greater freedom.
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Jan 31, 2025 • 52min

Episode 2223: Sophia Rosenfeld asks if our age of choice might also be an age of tyranny

Sophia Rosenfeld, an intellectual historian and the Walter H. Annenberg Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania, explores the paradox of choice in modern life. She discusses how our current age, far from liberating us, might ensnare us in decision paralysis. Rosenfeld traces the evolution of choice from a moral obligation to a mere preference. She critically examines how capitalism and democracy intertwine with choice, questioning the implications for personal autonomy and political engagement.

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