Good on Paper

Paul Niehaus, an economist from UC San Diego and co-founder of GiveDirectly, dives into the surprising drop in global extreme poverty from 44% in 1981 to just 9% today. He advocates for the effectiveness of direct cash transfers, highlighting how they empower individuals and challenge traditional aid paradigms. Niehaus discusses the significant impact of gender dynamics in fund distribution, critiques the 'teach a man to fish' approach, and underscores the need for a balanced understanding of poverty that merges quantitative metrics with community values.

Sophie Gilbert, an Atlantic staff writer and author of 'Girl on Girl,' dives into the complex relationship between feminism and pop culture. She discusses how the shift from 90s riot grrrl activism to the superficial 'girl power' of the Spice Girls contributed to the postfeminist landscape. Gilbert analyzes the role of internet pornography in shaping societal attitudes and the clash between empowerment and exploitation. She advocates for a nuanced understanding of feminism that prioritizes collective action over individualism.

Benny Goldman, a Cornell economics professor, unpacks the complex dynamics of modern dating and marriage markets. He challenges the idea that college-educated women struggle to find partners, arguing that the real crisis lies with non-college-educated men. The conversation dives into the impact of economic status on marriageability, revealing the stark contrast between educated and non-educated demographics. With insights on dating apps and shifting societal norms, Goldman offers a fascinating perspective on how education shapes relationships today.

In this insightful conversation, Steve Teles, a Political Science professor at Johns Hopkins University, delves into the profound impact of minoritarianism on American democracy. He discusses how small groups can disproportionately influence governance, often at the expense of majority desires. Teles critiques institutional mechanisms like the Electoral College and filibuster that favor minority interests, while also exploring challenges in environmental policymaking. His call for reforms and embracing ideological diversity highlights urgency in enhancing democratic representation.

Zeve Sanderson, the Executive Director of NYU's Center for Social Media and Politics, sheds light on the complexities of age-verification laws meant to protect minors from online pornography. He discusses how teens often find ways to circumvent these regulations, raising questions about the effectiveness of such measures. The conversation delves into the unintended consequences of these laws, highlighting the need for better sex education and responsible parental guidance. Sanderson also addresses the tension between privacy rights and access to adult content in the digital age.

Ethan Kaplan, an economist from the University of Maryland whose research focuses on the impacts of policy interventions like school desegregation, discusses a groundbreaking study on school busing in Louisville. He reveals how busing changed the political identities of students, making them more likely to align with the Democratic Party and support unions. Kaplan also explores the complex relationship between educational policies, personal growth through discomfort, and long-term political attitudes shaped by formative experiences in diverse settings.

Saul Newman, a longevity researcher from the University of Oxford and University College London, challenges the widely accepted blue zones theory of aging. He uncovers flaws in data supporting claims of extraordinary lifespan in these regions, highlighting issues like clerical errors and pension fraud. The conversation dives into the real drivers of longevity, from environmental factors to cultural influences, debunking myths and encouraging a critical examination of what we thought we knew about long life.

Political scientist Jack Lucas dives into the intriguing dynamics between voters and politicians, revealing a troubling view politicians have about voter intelligence. Based on a comprehensive study across 11 democracies, he discusses how voters see themselves as informed decision-makers, often clashing with politicians’ assumptions. Lucas explores sociotropic versus egocentric voting, offering insights into how economic perceptions shape voter behavior. He also touches on how political engagement varies globally, highlighting disparities in responsiveness among politicians.

Ezra Klein, a political writer for the New York Times, and Derek Thompson, an economic analyst for The Atlantic, dive into themes from their book, 'Abundance.' They tackle the fear-driven scarcity mindset in politics and advocate for a culture of abundance. The duo explores how outdated regulations stifle innovation in housing and clean energy and discuss the importance of constructive dialogue amidst political polarization. They also touch on the role of education in fostering critical thinking and leadership necessary for tackling today's complex societal issues.

Cyrille Rossant is a neuroscience researcher and a leading skeptic of shaken baby syndrome after facing accusations against his own child. In this fascinating discussion, he dives into the complexities and controversies surrounding the diagnosis of abusive head trauma. Rossant challenges the scientific validity of long-held beliefs, examines the role of coerced confessions in wrongful accusations, and reflects on the emotional toll this issue takes on families. His unique perspective sheds light on the urgent need to reevaluate how we approach child abuse allegations.