Good on Paper

Join Dr. Alice Evans, a Senior lecturer at King's College London and author of "The Great Gender Divergence," as she unpacks the unsettling trend of young men leaning towards more radical views. The discussion dives into how socio-economic factors and social media shape their attitudes towards gender equality. Evans also explores the paradox of young men supporting women's rights in private yet harboring resentment in public spheres. Insightful comparisons with cultural dynamics in Qatar and South Korea reveal broader implications for gender politics globally.

Hunter Rendleman, a political scientist at UC Berkeley, delves into the relationship between good policy and electoral success. He discusses the Earned Income Tax Credit’s role in alleviating poverty and how this impacts voter behavior. The conversation explores voter sophistication and perceptions of policies, revealing that citizens can reward political leaders for beneficial initiatives, even when credit attribution is complex. Additionally, Rendleman highlights challenges in political representation and academic publishing, making for a thought-provoking discussion.

Eleanor West, a housing policy researcher and former member of New Zealand's Generation Zero, discusses the nation's bold steps to combat housing crises. She highlights the transformative impact of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, which spurred significant reforms. West also delves into the contrasts between New Zealand's urban planning and U.S. policies, detailing generational shifts in climate activism. Expect insights on the challenges of political resistance, communal interests, and how innovative zoning can enhance housing availability.

Jennifer Doliak, an economist and criminal justice policy expert at Arnold Ventures, discusses the intricate relationship between policing and public safety. She delves into the effect of societal reforms on crime rate declines and the paradox of how protests for police accountability can lead to rising crime. Doliak highlights surprising links between air pollution and violent crime, as well as the need for better police training. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of community engagement to address racial dynamics and promote long-term safety.

Anastasia Berg, a philosopher and co-author of "What Are Children For?", explores the growing ambivalence surrounding parenthood. She dives into the reasons behind declining birth rates among adults under 50, highlighting societal pressures and economic factors. The conversation challenges traditional views of motherhood and the complexities involved in deciding to have children. Berg also discusses the cultural narratives that shape our understanding of parenthood and the personal fears that influence these life-altering choices.

In this engaging discussion, researcher Andrea Matranga explores humanity's dramatic shift from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled agriculture. With over a decade of study, she reveals how climate change and famine drove this transition, while also challenging the idealization of nomadic life. Andrea highlights surprising nutritional drawbacks of farming and critiques conventional development metrics, advocating for a focus on survival. The conversation blends historical insights with personal anecdotes, making for a thought-provoking listen.

In this discussion, Tim Miller, a former Republican strategist and host of The Bulwark Podcast, offers keen insights into Kamala Harris's campaign fallout. He delves into the Democratic Party's messaging struggles and how they failed to connect with diverse voter demographics. The conversation highlights how voter behavior can contradict liberal views, especially regarding abortion rights. Miller also reflects on the need for moderation within the party and critiques outdated political strategies, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of political dynamics.

Rogé Karma, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dives into the economics of immigration and its surprising benefits. He debunks the myth that higher immigration lowers wages, pointing to studies like the Mariel boat lift, which show stability in native wages. The discussion also touches on the roots of anti-immigrant sentiment, linking it more to cultural anxieties than economic ones. Karma emphasizes that immigrants stimulate job growth and contribute positively to local economies, challenging restrictive policies that hinder economic opportunities.

Ernie Tedeschi, Director of Economics at Yale Budget Lab and former chief economist at the White House, dives deep into the complexities of inflation. He challenges the idea that corporate greed is the main culprit, exploring how COVID-19 reshaped supply and demand. The discussion reveals the significant surge in grocery profits, especially from store-brand products, while analyzing consumer perceptions of pricing fairness. Tedeschi emphasizes the need to view inflation through a broad economic lens rather than oversimplifying it to just greed-driven factors.

Hans Noel, a political scientist from Georgetown University and author of "Political Ideologies and Political Parties in America," dissected the evolution of party ideologies. He explores the historical shifts in Black voting patterns and the impact of the Civil Rights Movement. Listeners learn about the realignment of the Democratic and Republican parties over the past century. Noel emphasizes the role of ideas in shaping political beliefs, especially regarding racial justice, and how these factors influence contemporary voter behavior.