
Sophia Rosenfeld
Professor of history at the University of Pennsylvania, expert on the history of commonplace ideas. Author of books such as "The Age of Choice" and "Common Sense: A Political History".
Top 3 podcasts with Sophia Rosenfeld
Ranked by the Snipd community

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.

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.

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.