Radio Atlantic: Americans Are Stuck. Who's to Blame?

Introduction

In the episode titled "Americans Are Stuck. Who's to Blame?" from Radio Atlantic hosted by Hanna Rosen, Yoni Applebaum, author of How the Privileged and the Propertied Broke the Engine of American Opportunity, delves into the decline of geographic and social mobility in the United States. The conversation explores the historical significance of mobility in shaping American society, the governmental policies that have restricted it, and the profound implications of a stagnant population on the nation's cultural and economic fabric.

The Decline of American Mobility

Applebaum argues that mobility has always been a cornerstone of the American Dream, enabling individuals to improve their circumstances by relocating to areas with better opportunities. Historically, mobility rates were exceptionally high; Applebaum notes, "In the 19th century… probably one out of three Americans moved every year" (00:53). This relentless movement fostered a sense of personal agency and continuous social and economic advancement. However, today, mobility has plummeted to about "1 out of 13 Americans" annually, marking a significant societal shift (05:38).

Historical Context: Moving Day and Community Dynamics

Applebaum paints a vivid picture of "Moving Day" in the 19th century—a nationwide event where thousands relocated simultaneously, symbolizing the aspirational spirit of the time. This mass movement was not born out of desperation but rather the pursuit of better living conditions and opportunities. He emphasizes, "People should be able to choose their own communities instead of being stuck where they happen to be born, is America's most profound contribution to the world" (02:42). This mobility was both a physical and psychological phenomenon, embodying the belief that change in one's environment could redefine their destiny.

Zoning Laws and Government Policies

A critical factor in the decline of mobility, Applebaum explains, is the evolution of zoning laws. Initially designed to promote orderly urban growth, zoning became a tool for exclusion. Applebaum cites Lawrence Wheeler, a prominent tenement reformer, who admitted, "we have to solve it the way I've done it in New York… call it fire safety regulation" to effectively keep apartments—and by extension, immigrants—out of certain neighborhoods (12:14). These regulations, while ostensibly about safety, were strategically crafted to segregate populations without explicitly referencing race, thereby embedding systemic discrimination into urban planning.

Jane Jacobs and Urban Renewal

The conversation shifts to Jane Jacobs, a revered urbanist whose efforts to preserve neighborhood diversity inadvertently contributed to reduced mobility. Applebaum recounts how Jacobs, despite celebrating the vibrancy of mixed-use communities, "bought a building within it and changes it to suit her own family's need" (19:04). Her advocacy for historic preservation, while preserving cultural richness, led to stricter zoning and landmarking, limiting the construction of new housing and exacerbating the mobility crisis. This paradox highlights how well-intentioned policies can have unintended negative consequences.

Current Mobility Crisis vs. Housing Crisis

Applebaum reframes the prevalent "housing crisis" narrative, asserting that the real issue is a "mobility crisis" (26:52). He argues that simply increasing affordable housing without considering its location relative to opportunities does not address the root problem. Affordable housing often ends up in areas with diminishing job prospects, trapping residents in economically stagnant environments. Applebaum suggests that policies should prioritize enabling people to move to areas with rich opportunities rather than merely making housing cheaper.

Rootlessness vs. Community and Social Connections

Exploring the societal implications of decreased mobility, Applebaum connects high mobility with vibrant communities and strong social ties. He observes, "When we're moving a lot, we're much likelier to build really vibrant communities" (29:14). In contrast, stagnant populations tend to form insular communities with weaker social networks, leading to increased loneliness and societal disconnection. Mobility fosters both the creation of new relationships and the renewal of existing ones, contributing to a dynamic and resilient civil society.

Conclusion

Yoni Applebaum's insightful analysis reveals that the decline in American mobility is not merely a housing issue but a fundamental threat to the nation's ethos of opportunity and individual agency. By tracing the historical evolution of moving practices, zoning laws, and urban policies, Applebaum underscores the need for a paradigm shift in how society approaches housing and community development. Restoring mobility is essential for revitalizing the American Dream, fostering vibrant communities, and ensuring that individuals retain the power to shape their destinies.

Notable Quotes

• "People should be able to choose their own communities instead of being stuck where they happen to be born, is America's most profound contribution to the world." – Yoni Applebaum (02:42)
• "Now in the 19th century… probably one out of three Americans moved every year." – Yoni Applebaum (05:32)
• "The Mobility crisis is… not just about affordable housing, but about where that housing is located and the opportunities it provides." – Yoni Applebaum (26:52)
• "When we're moving a lot, we're much likelier to build really vibrant communities." – Yoni Applebaum (29:14)

Production Credits

This episode was produced by Janae West, edited by Claudina Baid, engineered by Rob Smirciak, and fact-checked by Sam Fentress. Claudina Baid serves as the Executive Producer of Audio at The Atlantic, and Andrea Valdez is the Managing Editor. Hanna Rosen hosts the conversation with Yoni Applebaum.