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In Episode 43 of the Inspired Money Livestream Podcast, we examine the impact of the gig economy on today's employment. With insights from Louis Hyman, Jeffrey Moss, and Sergio Avedian, we explore how digital platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Uber have reshaped work by offering flexibility and independence. These platforms provide a range of opportunities for those seeking additional income or a break from traditional employment structures. Innovative Approaches to the Gig Economy Our panelists discuss the benefits and challenges associated with gig work, including reduced business costs and the absence of traditional worker benefits. They offer practical strategies for success in this evolving work environment. Such as building a strong personal brand, effective financial management. As well as staying informed about legal rights. This episode is essential for anyone looking to navigate and thrive in the gig economy.
The Rational Egoist: Unraveling the Fabric of Capitalism with Professor Louis Hyman In this insightful episode of "The Rational Egoist," we are honoured to welcome Professor Louis Hyman, a renowned Historian of Work and Business at the ILR School of Cornell University. Professor Hyman brings to the table a wealth of knowledge, drawn from his extensive research and his significant contributions as the coauthor of five books. His latest work, “Temp,” has garnered widespread acclaim for its incisive examination of contemporary labour and economic trends. Throughout the episode, Professor Hyman delves deep into the evolution and intricacies of capitalism, offering listeners a journey through its historical landscape. His expertise illuminates the pivotal moments that have shaped our modern economic system, providing a comprehensive understanding of how past developments influence current economic dynamics. Listeners can expect an engaging and thought-provoking discussion that does not shy away from exploring the complexities of capitalism. Professor Hyman's perspective is not just academic; it is deeply rooted in real-world implications, offering valuable insights into the ever-changing world of work and business. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the underpinnings of our economic system, its impact on society, and the forces that drive the world of work today. Join us on "The Rational Egoist" as we dissect the history of capitalism with one of the most knowledgeable voices in the field. Whether you are a student of economics, a business professional, or simply someone with a keen interest in understanding the forces that shape our world, this episode promises to enlighten and inspire. Michael Leibowitz is a renowned philosopher, political activist, and the esteemed host of the Rational Egoist podcast. Inspired by the philosophical teachings of Ayn Rand, Leibowitz passionately champions the principles of reason, rational self-interest, and individualism, seeking to empower others through his compelling work.His life's narrative exemplifies the transformative power of Ayn Rand's writings. Having faced challenging circumstances that led to a 25-year prison sentence, Leibowitz emerged from adversity by embracing the tenets of rational self-interest and moral philosophy put forth by Ayn Rand. This profound transformation propelled him to become an influential figure in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, motivating others to adopt reason, individualism, and self-interest in their own lives. His unwavering commitment to these ideals has garnered him a dedicated following of like-minded individuals.Leibowitz is a versatile author, co-authoring the thought-provoking book titled “Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime.” This groundbreaking work delves into societal attitudes surrounding punishment and rehabilitation, shedding light on how misguided approaches have contributed to the rise of crime and recidivism. Additionally, he has authored the book “View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty,” offering an intimate portrayal of his personal journey while exploring the philosophies that influenced his transformation.As you embark on your intellectual journey, join Michael Leibowitz as he advocates for reason, individualism, and the pursuit of self-interest, inspiring others to embrace a philosophy that empowers and uplifts the human spirit. For a deeper exploration of his ideas and insights, don't miss the opportunity to read “Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime,” co-authored by Michael Leibowitz. And also, delve into his book “View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty.” Both books are available for purchase using the following links:“Down the Rabbit Hole”: https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X“View from a Cage”: https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj
The holiday shopping season kicks off this week with Black Friday, and American shoppers are expected to spend a record amount, particularly in online sales. Consumer spending keeps the U.S. economy humming, making up 70% of the country’s gross domestic product. But it wasn’t always this way. On the show today, Cornell economic historian Louis Hyman gives us a history lesson on how the American economy became dependent on the consumer, why that change has created serious environmental consequences, and whether there are alternatives to the consumer-driven economy we know today. Plus, what it all has to do with the Salem witch trials. Then, a federal appeals court decision could significantly weaken the Voting Rights Act. We’ll get into the economic implications of the ruling and how it could play out in the Supreme Court. Plus: Oh, how the mighty crypto kings fall. Later, we'll hear listener suggestions for signature state cocktails. And food journalist Francis Lam was wrong about what was on the menu at the first Thanksgiving. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Ringing in the holiday shopping season with low consumer sentiment” from Marketplace “A Brief History of Consumer Culture” from The MIT Press Reader “Frank Trentmann: How Humans Became ‘Consumers'” from The Atlantic “U.S. Economy Grew a Strong 4.9%, Driven by Consumer Spree That May Not Last” from The Wall Street Journal “Appeals court strikes down key tool used to enforce Voting Rights Act” from CNN Politics “Federal appeals court ruling threatens enforcement of the Voting Rights Act” from Politico “Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao Agrees to Step Down, Plead Guilty” from The Wall Street Journal “What Was Eaten at the First Thanksgiving?” from History We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
The holiday shopping season kicks off this week with Black Friday, and American shoppers are expected to spend a record amount, particularly in online sales. Consumer spending keeps the U.S. economy humming, making up 70% of the country’s gross domestic product. But it wasn’t always this way. On the show today, Cornell economic historian Louis Hyman gives us a history lesson on how the American economy became dependent on the consumer, why that change has created serious environmental consequences, and whether there are alternatives to the consumer-driven economy we know today. Plus, what it all has to do with the Salem witch trials. Then, a federal appeals court decision could significantly weaken the Voting Rights Act. We’ll get into the economic implications of the ruling and how it could play out in the Supreme Court. Plus: Oh, how the mighty crypto kings fall. Later, we'll hear listener suggestions for signature state cocktails. And food journalist Francis Lam was wrong about what was on the menu at the first Thanksgiving. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Ringing in the holiday shopping season with low consumer sentiment” from Marketplace “A Brief History of Consumer Culture” from The MIT Press Reader “Frank Trentmann: How Humans Became ‘Consumers'” from The Atlantic “U.S. Economy Grew a Strong 4.9%, Driven by Consumer Spree That May Not Last” from The Wall Street Journal “Appeals court strikes down key tool used to enforce Voting Rights Act” from CNN Politics “Federal appeals court ruling threatens enforcement of the Voting Rights Act” from Politico “Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao Agrees to Step Down, Plead Guilty” from The Wall Street Journal “What Was Eaten at the First Thanksgiving?” from History We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
Hillary and Tina cover the Snow Riot of 1835 and Operation Wetback Hillary's Story In 1835, white workers faced poor wages and long hours. BUT instead of fighting for labor laws, they took their anger out on black run businesses in Washington, D.C. known as the Snow Riot. Tina's Story Throughout the mid20th century, the US faced an immigration problem not unlike today. BUT the solution resulted in one of the largest mass deportation in American history. Sources Hillary's Story Cultural Tourism DC Epicurean Eating House/Snow Riot Site, African American Heritage Trail (https://www.culturaltourismdc.org/portal/epicurean-eating-house/snow-riot-site-african-american-heritage-trail) Emancipation DC The Snow Riot (https://emancipation.dc.gov/page/snow-riot) Histories of the National Mall Snow Riot (https://mallhistory.org/items/show/183) History News Network Francis Scott Key's Shameful Role in the "Snow Riot" (https://historynewsnetwork.org/article/10042)--Washington DC's First Race Riot NPR (Books) August 'Snow-Storm' Brought Devastation To D.C. (https://www.npr.org/2012/07/05/156123569/august-snow-storm-brought-devastation-to-d-c) Washington Post The 'Snow Riot' (https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/magazine/2005/02/06/the-snow-riot/0514ba84-54dd-46ac-851c-ff74856fcef4/)--by Jefferson Morley Wikipedia Snow Riot (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_Riot) Photos Anna Maria Thornton (https://www.npr.org/2012/07/05/156123569/august-snow-storm-brought-devastation-to-d-c)--screenshot of painting by Gilbert Stewart via NPR Books WLRN Beverly Snow's Restaurant (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/Beverly_Snow%27s_Epicurean_Eating_House.jpg)--unknown artist via Wikipedia (public domain) Tina's Story Britannica Operation Wetback--by Brent Funderburk (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Operation-Wetback) CATO Institute Enforcement Didn't End Unlawful Immigration in 1950s, More Visas Did (https://www.cato.org/blog/enforcement-didnt-end-unlawful-immigration-1950s-more-visas-did)--by Alex Nowrasteh History The Largest Mass Deportation in American History (https://www.history.com/news/operation-wetback-eisenhower-1954-deportation) Imagine Mexico Operation Wetback: Most Massive Deportation of Undocumented Mexicans in USA History (https://imagine-mexico.com/operation-wetback/) Immigration History Operation Wetback (https://immigrationhistory.org/item/operation-wetback/) NPR It Came Up In The Debate: Here Are 3 Things To Know About 'Operation Wetback' (https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/11/11/455613993/it-came-up-in-the-debate-here-are-3-things-to-know-about-operation-wetback)--by Eyder Peralta Philadelphia Tribune “Operation Wetback”: America's Worst Mass Deportation (https://www.phillytrib.com/commentary/coard-operation-wetback-americas-worst-mass-deportation/article_59154bc8-eebb-5200-bce4-7c52f78d8718.html)--by Michael Coard Slate What the Mass Deportation of Immigrants Might Look Like (https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2016/11/donald-trump-mass-deportation-and-the-tragic-history-of-operation-wetback.html)--by Louis Hyman and Natasha Iskander Southern Poverty Law Center (Facebook page) Operation Wetback (https://www.facebook.com/SPLCenter/photos/a.439820219699/10155563742319700/?type=3) Timeline “Operation Wetback” uprooted a million lives and tore families apart. Sound familiar?--by Laura Smith (https://timeline.com/mass-deportation-operation-wetback-mexico-eb79174f720b) Vox Operation Wetback, the 1950s immigration policy Donald Trump loves, explained (https://www.vox.com/2015/11/11/9714842/operation-wetback)--by Dara Lind Wikipedia Operation Wetback (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Wetback#CITEREFNgai2004) Photos Mexican immigrants held by Border Patrol during Operation Wetback (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7f/Operation_Wetback.png)--from US Border Patrol Museum (public domain) via Wikipedia Dwight D. Eisenhower (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/63/Dwight_D._Eisenhower%2C_official_photo_portrait%2C_May_29%2C_1959.jpg/1024px-Dwight_D._Eisenhower%2C_official_photo_portrait%2C_May_29%2C_1959.jpg)--from White House Presidential Library (public domain) via Wikipedia Lieutenant General Joseph M. Swing (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/LTG_Joseph_M._Swing_%28cropped%29.jpg)--from Harry S. Truman Library & Museum (public domain) via Wikipedia
From rideshare apps to food-delivery services—to ballot measures like California's proposition 22, which allows companies to treat their employees interchangeable and dispensable—the new economy of the gig and temporary work is proving to be a disaster for workers' rights and long-term stability. This week we talk to two experts about just what is being lost in this transformation. David Rolf Union leader David Rolf says even Republicans can be persuaded that America will be better off with a strong middle class. But it's the plutocrats and their hired guns standing in the way. Louis Hyman In his book, labor historian Louis Hyman tells the story of America's transformation to a temp economy and why he calls it the moral crisis of work in the 21st century. Jim Hightower America needs a quality childcare system Nearly every nation with an advanced economy (and some not so advanced) treats child care as a fundamental public good essential to nurturing children, families, and the whole society. But not our US of A. Indeed, our so-called leaders relegate millions of working parents and 21 million kids under 5 to the tender mercies of a for-profit market, with child care facilities ranging from impossibly expensive to helter-skelter, unlicensed Kiddie Korrals. Bill Press Midterm Madness Begins With the midterms just seven months away, Bill talks to Kyle Kondik, Managing Editor of Sabato's Crystal Ball, the University of Virginia Center for Politics' nonpartisan newsletter on American campaigns and elections. They focus on the primaries coming up in the month of May in the GOP where Trump has endorsed candidates. How these primaries turn out may determine who controls the Senate in 2023. They also discuss the likelihood of the Republicans taking over the House of Representatives. And a little conversation about Biden and Trump in 2024. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, visit BillPressPods.com.
Chris Hedges discusses the gig economy with Louis Hyman, professor of economic history at Cornell University. After the end of World War II, two generations of workers in the United States were blessed with a period of unprecedented prosperity. Wages for the working class were high. Jobs were stable and came with benefits and health insurance. Unions protected workers from abuse by the business elites. Taxes on the wealthiest individuals and corporations was as high as 91%. The public school system provided a quality education to the poor and the rich. The nation's infrastructure and technology were cutting edge and unrivaled. But by the 1970s, it all began to go south. Wages stagnated. Income inequality grew, until by 2008, the top wealthiest 10% of Americans received 87% of the economic growth, compared with 29% from 1933 to 1973. The good industrial jobs vanished. In their place rose the temp or gig economy, one where wages were low, the jobs were not secure and did not provide benefits, unions were emasculated, and the nation's great democratic institutions, along with its infrastructure, crumbled into decay. What went wrong? How did it happen? And what does it mean for our future? Louis Hyman is professor of economic history at Cornell University, and author of ‘Temp: The Real Story of What Happened to Your Salary, Benefits and Job Security'.
Historian Louis Hyman, professor and director of the Institute of Workplace Studies at Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations, talks about his book, Temp: How American Work, American Business, and American Dream Became Temporary, with Peoples & Things host Lee Vinsel. In this conversation, Hyman and Vinsel chat about how most mid-20th century secure jobs were possessed by white men, how temporary work began to rise after World War Two, and how all this led to the gig-based world we inhabit.
In this episode, I chat with Chris Young about the changing economy and its impact on L&D, what L&D hiring managers are looking for, and about BS words in L&D. :) Chris Young serves as the director of Workforce Development, a section of the Human Resources Division at the Texas Department of Transportation.Chris began his career in the U.S. Army. After the Army and then undergraduate work at the University of Texas, Chris served as a diplomat for the State Department where he led training programs overseas for foreign governments. In 2008, he left the State Department and went to work for a small business as a consultant to the U.S. Government – building and implementing training programs for the intelligence community – before moving back to Texas.Chris has degrees from the University of Texas, an MBA from the University of Colorado, and a PhD in industrial-organizational psychology. Chris holds multiple certifications and is a member of research and professional committees for transportation, training, and HR. Chris lives in central Austin with his wife and 3 kids and is looking forward to retiring from TxDOT in a few decades.Chris's suggestions for learning more about L&D and performance improvement:The Chapman Alliance - How Long Does it Take to Create Learning?Louis Hyman's - Temp
Three generations ago, large American corporations offered their employees the stability of life-long employment and the promise of a pension-funded retirement. In the 21st Century, that model has given way to the "gig economy" in which people work multiple jobs. In this episode, Bob and Ben speak with Cornell University's Louis Hyman about the forces that led us from then to now, what it means for our daily lives, and how we might structure the economy of the 21st century in a way that offers the freedom of the gig economy without the insecurity that so many face under our current institutions. Dr. Louis Hyman is a historian of work and business at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, where he also directs the Institute for Workplace Studies in New York City. His book Temp: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream Became Temporary was published by Viking in 2018. This is a broadcast of an episode that originally aired on The Road to Now on August 20, 2018. This re-broadcast was edited by Gary Fletcher. The Road to Now is part of the Osiris Podcast Network.
If you've ever goofed off at work, or walked through your office and witnessed co-workers browsing YouTube, you're not alone. In this episode, Rosie Tran and BJ Mendelson get to the heart of the matter: the bullshitization of work. Deeply influenced by David Graeber's book "Bullshit Jobs: A Theory," the two co-hosts discuss the arbitrary eight-hour work day and outdated notions of "hard work" passed down from the Baby Boomers. They suggest that jobs have taken the place of religion as the foundation for forming identity and self-worth. Resources for Saving the World
Do Seattle Uber and Lyft Drivers really earn $23.25/hr? Hear more about the "Platform Driving in Seattle" study from author Louis Hyman.
Louis Hyman discusses the rise of the gig economy and how the gig economy is a consequence of “income volatility.” He discusses the ways businesses and the federal government can support gig economy workers as well as the current “productivity paradox.” He then discusses the history of personal debt in the United States and the tools that were created to expand the use of credit. He also discusses changes to the provision of consumer credit post-2008 financial crisis and his thoughts on whether lending institutions will change their practices towards gig economy workers. Finally, he discusses ways businesses are engaging marginalized groups as both labor pools and consumers. Louis Hyman is a historian of work and business at the ILR School of Cornell University, where he also directs the Institute for Workplace Studies in New York City. He has published two books on the history of personal debt (Debtor Nation and Borrow) as well as a book about the history of the rise of consultants, temps, freelancers, and day laborers in our businesses (Temp). A former Fulbright scholar and McKinsey associate, Hyman received his PhD in American history from Harvard University. He teaches the MOOC American Capitalism: A History through EdX and is the founding editor of the Columbia Studies in the History of U.S. Capitalism book series from Columbia University Press. Links from the Episode at presentvaluepodcast.com Faculty Profile: Louis Hyman
It has become a truism that work has become less secure and more precarious for a widening swath of American workers. Why and how this has happened, and what workers can and should do about it, is the subject of a wide-ranging new book, Temp: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream became Temporary (Viking, 2018). In Temp, Louis Hyman, Professor of History at the Industrial and Labor Relations School of Cornell University, presents a detailed history of the unraveling of steady work. Hyman acknowledges that secure, lucrative, meaningful work has never been equally available to all Americans, even amidst the prosperity of the post-WWII era. He also argues compellingly that the shift toward privileging shareholders over employees and short-term profit over long-term prosperity was not inevitable, nor is it irreversible. Jobs are less secure today not because the market demanded it but because, starting as early as the 1950s, executives, consultants, and policy makers decided to make them that way. He details the rise of temp agencies and consultancies as well as the broader political, cultural, economic, and technological shifts that fueled and furthered the move toward insecure work. Listen in as I talk with Professor Hyman about his fascinating work and his ideas about what the path forward might look like for American workers. Carrie Lane is a Professor of American Studies at California State University, Fullerton and author of A Company of One: Insecurity, Independence, and the New World of White-Collar Unemployment. Her research concerns the changing nature of work in the contemporary U.S. She is currently writing a book on the professional organizing industry. To contact her or to suggest a recent title, email clane@fullerton.edu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It has become a truism that work has become less secure and more precarious for a widening swath of American workers. Why and how this has happened, and what workers can and should do about it, is the subject of a wide-ranging new book, Temp: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream became Temporary (Viking, 2018). In Temp, Louis Hyman, Professor of History at the Industrial and Labor Relations School of Cornell University, presents a detailed history of the unraveling of steady work. Hyman acknowledges that secure, lucrative, meaningful work has never been equally available to all Americans, even amidst the prosperity of the post-WWII era. He also argues compellingly that the shift toward privileging shareholders over employees and short-term profit over long-term prosperity was not inevitable, nor is it irreversible. Jobs are less secure today not because the market demanded it but because, starting as early as the 1950s, executives, consultants, and policy makers decided to make them that way. He details the rise of temp agencies and consultancies as well as the broader political, cultural, economic, and technological shifts that fueled and furthered the move toward insecure work. Listen in as I talk with Professor Hyman about his fascinating work and his ideas about what the path forward might look like for American workers. Carrie Lane is a Professor of American Studies at California State University, Fullerton and author of A Company of One: Insecurity, Independence, and the New World of White-Collar Unemployment. Her research concerns the changing nature of work in the contemporary U.S. She is currently writing a book on the professional organizing industry. To contact her or to suggest a recent title, email clane@fullerton.edu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It has become a truism that work has become less secure and more precarious for a widening swath of American workers. Why and how this has happened, and what workers can and should do about it, is the subject of a wide-ranging new book, Temp: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream became Temporary (Viking, 2018). In Temp, Louis Hyman, Professor of History at the Industrial and Labor Relations School of Cornell University, presents a detailed history of the unraveling of steady work. Hyman acknowledges that secure, lucrative, meaningful work has never been equally available to all Americans, even amidst the prosperity of the post-WWII era. He also argues compellingly that the shift toward privileging shareholders over employees and short-term profit over long-term prosperity was not inevitable, nor is it irreversible. Jobs are less secure today not because the market demanded it but because, starting as early as the 1950s, executives, consultants, and policy makers decided to make them that way. He details the rise of temp agencies and consultancies as well as the broader political, cultural, economic, and technological shifts that fueled and furthered the move toward insecure work. Listen in as I talk with Professor Hyman about his fascinating work and his ideas about what the path forward might look like for American workers. Carrie Lane is a Professor of American Studies at California State University, Fullerton and author of A Company of One: Insecurity, Independence, and the New World of White-Collar Unemployment. Her research concerns the changing nature of work in the contemporary U.S. She is currently writing a book on the professional organizing industry. To contact her or to suggest a recent title, email clane@fullerton.edu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It has become a truism that work has become less secure and more precarious for a widening swath of American workers. Why and how this has happened, and what workers can and should do about it, is the subject of a wide-ranging new book, Temp: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream became Temporary (Viking, 2018). In Temp, Louis Hyman, Professor of History at the Industrial and Labor Relations School of Cornell University, presents a detailed history of the unraveling of steady work. Hyman acknowledges that secure, lucrative, meaningful work has never been equally available to all Americans, even amidst the prosperity of the post-WWII era. He also argues compellingly that the shift toward privileging shareholders over employees and short-term profit over long-term prosperity was not inevitable, nor is it irreversible. Jobs are less secure today not because the market demanded it but because, starting as early as the 1950s, executives, consultants, and policy makers decided to make them that way. He details the rise of temp agencies and consultancies as well as the broader political, cultural, economic, and technological shifts that fueled and furthered the move toward insecure work. Listen in as I talk with Professor Hyman about his fascinating work and his ideas about what the path forward might look like for American workers. Carrie Lane is a Professor of American Studies at California State University, Fullerton and author of A Company of One: Insecurity, Independence, and the New World of White-Collar Unemployment. Her research concerns the changing nature of work in the contemporary U.S. She is currently writing a book on the professional organizing industry. To contact her or to suggest a recent title, email clane@fullerton.edu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It has become a truism that work has become less secure and more precarious for a widening swath of American workers. Why and how this has happened, and what workers can and should do about it, is the subject of a wide-ranging new book, Temp: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream became Temporary (Viking, 2018). In Temp, Louis Hyman, Professor of History at the Industrial and Labor Relations School of Cornell University, presents a detailed history of the unraveling of steady work. Hyman acknowledges that secure, lucrative, meaningful work has never been equally available to all Americans, even amidst the prosperity of the post-WWII era. He also argues compellingly that the shift toward privileging shareholders over employees and short-term profit over long-term prosperity was not inevitable, nor is it irreversible. Jobs are less secure today not because the market demanded it but because, starting as early as the 1950s, executives, consultants, and policy makers decided to make them that way. He details the rise of temp agencies and consultancies as well as the broader political, cultural, economic, and technological shifts that fueled and furthered the move toward insecure work. Listen in as I talk with Professor Hyman about his fascinating work and his ideas about what the path forward might look like for American workers. Carrie Lane is a Professor of American Studies at California State University, Fullerton and author of A Company of One: Insecurity, Independence, and the New World of White-Collar Unemployment. Her research concerns the changing nature of work in the contemporary U.S. She is currently writing a book on the professional organizing industry. To contact her or to suggest a recent title, email clane@fullerton.edu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It has become a truism that work has become less secure and more precarious for a widening swath of American workers. Why and how this has happened, and what workers can and should do about it, is the subject of a wide-ranging new book, Temp: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream became Temporary (Viking, 2018). In Temp, Louis Hyman, Professor of History at the Industrial and Labor Relations School of Cornell University, presents a detailed history of the unraveling of steady work. Hyman acknowledges that secure, lucrative, meaningful work has never been equally available to all Americans, even amidst the prosperity of the post-WWII era. He also argues compellingly that the shift toward privileging shareholders over employees and short-term profit over long-term prosperity was not inevitable, nor is it irreversible. Jobs are less secure today not because the market demanded it but because, starting as early as the 1950s, executives, consultants, and policy makers decided to make them that way. He details the rise of temp agencies and consultancies as well as the broader political, cultural, economic, and technological shifts that fueled and furthered the move toward insecure work. Listen in as I talk with Professor Hyman about his fascinating work and his ideas about what the path forward might look like for American workers. Carrie Lane is a Professor of American Studies at California State University, Fullerton and author of A Company of One: Insecurity, Independence, and the New World of White-Collar Unemployment. Her research concerns the changing nature of work in the contemporary U.S. She is currently writing a book on the professional organizing industry. To contact her or to suggest a recent title, email clane@fullerton.edu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It has become a truism that work has become less secure and more precarious for a widening swath of American workers. Why and how this has happened, and what workers can and should do about it, is the subject of a wide-ranging new book, Temp: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream became Temporary (Viking, 2018). In Temp, Louis Hyman, Professor of History at the Industrial and Labor Relations School of Cornell University, presents a detailed history of the unraveling of steady work. Hyman acknowledges that secure, lucrative, meaningful work has never been equally available to all Americans, even amidst the prosperity of the post-WWII era. He also argues compellingly that the shift toward privileging shareholders over employees and short-term profit over long-term prosperity was not inevitable, nor is it irreversible. Jobs are less secure today not because the market demanded it but because, starting as early as the 1950s, executives, consultants, and policy makers decided to make them that way. He details the rise of temp agencies and consultancies as well as the broader political, cultural, economic, and technological shifts that fueled and furthered the move toward insecure work. Listen in as I talk with Professor Hyman about his fascinating work and his ideas about what the path forward might look like for American workers. Carrie Lane is a Professor of American Studies at California State University, Fullerton and author of A Company of One: Insecurity, Independence, and the New World of White-Collar Unemployment. Her research concerns the changing nature of work in the contemporary U.S. She is currently writing a book on the professional organizing industry. To contact her or to suggest a recent title, email clane@fullerton.edu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When you hear the term “gig economy,” you probably think of Uber or Lyft or Postmates - companies that have used apps to disrupt industries and create an army of 1099 workers. But according to Louis Hyman, a Cornell University historian and author of Temp: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream Became Temporary, the gig economy is a lot bigger than Silicon Valley. And it has a much longer history than you might think.
Rethinking Capitalism. The limits of greed. How the American dream became temporary. Plus Bill Press with Congressman Ruben Gallego. A history of the gig economy and the rise and fall of secure work. Plus, why America needs a new social contract between business and society. And Bill Press talks border politics with Congressman Ruben Gallego. Louis Hyman In his newest book, labor historian Louis Hyman the tells the story of America’s transformation to a temp economy and why he calls it the moral crisis of work in the 21st century. Steven Pearlstein At a time when American capitalism leaves more and more people behind, many question if it is worth saving. Steven Pearlstein is one of our nation’s leading economists. In his newest book, he argues for return to the core value of shared prosperity if capitalism is to sustain over the long term. Ruben Gallego Bill Press with AZ Congressman Ruben Gallego on the absurdity of President Trump’s wall and his “national emergency” at the border. Jim Hightower Who are the serial killers of America’s newspapers?
Professor Louis Hyman is a historian of work and business at the ILR School of Cornell University, where he also directs the Institute for Workplace Studies in New York City. He has published two books on the history of personal debt (Debtor Nation and Borrow) and a history of how American work became so insecure (Temp). Several months ago Louis wrote a series of Twitter posts which were read by millions of people about the "hidden history" of how African-Americans used the Sears catalog as a way of fighting back against Jim and Jane Crow white racism and white supremacy. Professor Hyman explains how the consumer's republic was and remains a key battleground for civil rights and the color line, the many ways that black Americans used the Sears catalog as a way of participating in day-to-day resistance against segregation and other types of discrimination across the United States, and how Sears and America's suburban mall culture were sites where whiteness was both reproduced and defended. Louis also debunks the very popular (and empowering) myth that Sears was co-founded by a black man. On this week's show, Chauncey DeVega reflects on Ralph Ellison's "Invisible Man" and a recent experience with everyday racism. And in keeping with the theme of this week's show Chauncey also shares a wonderful story about the nationwide network of Sears retirees who gather on a regular basis to socialize, reconnect, and who are keeping the wonderful legacy of that American cultural and retail institution alive. SELECTED LINKS OF INTEREST FOR THIS EPISODE OF THE CHAUNCEY DEVEGA SHOW Louis Hyman homepage Ralph Ellison's “Invisible Man” as a Parable of Our Time Sears Is Dying, but Workers' Loyalty Lives On Butterfly Center Files For Restraining Order Against Trump's ‘Unconstitutional' Border Wall The investigation into Trump's inauguration money looks quite serious “Prevent Any Type of Misappropriation of Funds”: Amid Scrutiny of Trump's Inauguration Spending, Democrats Introduce New Oversight Legislation IF YOU ENJOYED THIS WEEK'S SHOW YOU MAY LIKE THESE EPISODES OF THE CHAUNCEY DEVEGA SHOW AS WELL Ep. 217: David Blight Explains How The Wisdom of Frederick Douglass Can Help to Save American Democracy Ep. 200-2: Joe Feagin on Liberal White Racism and "Colorblind" America Ep. 173: Bandy Lee Continues to Warn the World About Donald Trump's Mental Health Ep. 163: Anti-Black Violence, Whiteness, and the Pleasures of Owning People Ep. 152: Lance Dodes Warns That Donald Trump is Sociopathic WHERE CAN YOU FIND ME? On Twitter: https://twitter.com/chaunceydevega On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chauncey.devega My email: chaunceydevega@gmail.com Leave a voicemail for The Chauncey DeVega Show: (262) 864-0154 HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT THE CHAUNCEY DEVEGA SHOW? Via Paypal at ChaunceyDeVega.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thechaunceydevegashow Music at the end of this week's episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show is by JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound. You can listen to some of their great music on Spotify.
On episode 27 of the audio guide to "the culture of business" we speak with author Louis Hyman about a world of temporary work. Is this the new norm? Ford Motor Company invests in Scooters. Is car ownership going to segue to scooter renter-ship? And the tale of a band that has tens of thousands of "fans" on Facebook but no fans in real life. Is this reality leading to misfortune in a path toward fame? Plus music from Gabriele Poso and Trip Soup.#DisruptiveFM #dfm
On episode 27 of the audio guide to "the culture of business" we speak with author Louis Hyman about a world of temporary work. Is this the new norm? Ford Motor Company invests in Scooters. Is car ownership going to segue to scooter renter-ship? And the tale of a band that has tens of thousands of "fans" on Facebook but no fans in real life. Is this reality leading to misfortune in a path toward fame? Plus music from Gabriele Poso and Trip Soup.#DisruptiveFM #dfm
The Sunday Times’ tech correspondent Danny Fortson brings on Louis Hyman, Cornell University professor and author of the book Temp, to answer five big about the present and future of work in the age of automation: 1. Is technological progress bad for workers? (2:45). 2. How does reality differ from the myth of automation? (7:00), 3. Is the corporation dead? (14:30), 4. Are unions also going extinct? (25:10), and 5. What does history tell us about the future of work? (28:35). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
We tend to think about the "gig economy" as a new development - brought into being by Uber and our smartphones. But Louis Hyman shows us the deep roots of casualized and contract labor, tracing the centrality of temps, day laborers, and consultants from the post-World War II years through the present. Louis Hyman is Associate Professor of History at the ILR School of Cornell University and the Director of the Institute for Workplace Studies in New York City. He is the author of Temp: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream Became Temporary. He was previously a guest on the first episode of Who Makes Cents.
When you hear the term “gig economy,” you probably think of Uber or Lyft or Postmates - companies that have used apps to disrupt industries and create an army of 1099 workers. But according to Louis Hyman, a Cornell University historian and author of “Temp: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream Became Temporary,” the gig economy is a lot bigger than Silicon Valley. And it has a much longer history than you might think.
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, Niki, and guest historian Leah Wright Rigueur discuss black women and electoral politics, the closing of Sears, and corporate art patronage. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Black women voters are a crucial electoral contingent, especially in the upcoming midterm elections. We spoke with Dr. Leah Wright Rigueur, author of The Loneliness of the Black Republican: Pragmatic Politics and the Pursuit of Power, about black women’s voting power today and in the past. Niki referenced Rachel Devlin’s book A Girl Stands at the Door, and Leah recommended Brittney Cooper’s Eloquent Rage, Ashley Farmer’s Remaking Black Power, Danielle McGuire’s At the Dark End of the Street, and Keisha Blain’s Set the World on Fire, as all good books for better understanding the long history of black women’s political activism. Sears is closing its doors for good. Natalia mentioned historian Louis Hyman’s viral Twitter thread on how the Sears catalog created opportunities for African Americans to shop during Jim Crow. She also recommended historian Lizabeth Cohen’s book A Consumer’s Republic and historian David K. Johnson’s forthcoming book Buying Gay: How Physique Entrepreneurs Sparked A Movement. We discussed how although art patronage is nothing new, 2018’s unapologetically corporate branding of art feels unprecedented. In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia recommended Jessica Wilkerson’s Longreads article, “Living With Dolly Parton.” Neil shared the news that Judy Blume’s book Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is being turned into a movie. Niki discussed W. David Marx’s Vox article, “An American campaign tee is trendy in Asia. Its popularity has nothing to do with the US.”
TEMP: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream Became Temporary, by Louis Hyman, details the history of the gig economy, it's benefits and drawbacks, and how we can best position ourselves for the future.
TEMP: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream Became Temporary, by Louis Hyman, details the history of the gig economy, it's benefits and drawbacks, and how we can best position ourselves for the future.
TEMP: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream Became Temporary, by Louis Hyman, details the history of the gig economy, it's benefits and drawbacks, and how we can best position ourselves for the future.
This Weeks guests:Louis Hyman, Cornell University, Author-TEMP: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream Became TemporaryChris Garcia, VICAR Financial, Former Deputy Director of the US Department of Commerce, talks about Trump's trade negotiations with Mexico and Canada
Louis Hyman, an economic historian and professor at Cornell University, talks with Recode's Kara Swisher and Rani Molla about his new book, "Temp: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream Became Temporary." In this episode:02:00 - Why Hyman wrote “Temp” and the history of work05:11 - The first temporary jobs07:44 - Silicon Valley has treated workers “miserably” for decades16:48 - What is the "gig economy” now?21:52 - Why Uber is both a “godsend" and a trickster26:47 - Job automation and human creativity31:20 - What are the jobs of the future?34:48 - Digital migrants37:07 - Robot caretakers39:05 - Universal Basic Income44:09 - How to make jobs of the future sustainable47:13 - How can tech help? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trump says if he is impeached, the stock market would crash. Duncan Hunter indicted for campaign funds violation. LOUIS HYMAN, Cornell professor traces the history of the gig economy. Trump now fighting with Jeff Sessions. Crowd funding health care. Ed King, Lynrd Skynrd guitarist, dies at 68. Ohio State suspends Urban Meyer for 3 games. Space Force!. Big Bang Theory to end next season. Falling in "Like" with your politician. Woman attacked by alligator
The financial insecurity facing so many Americans in today's gig economy is not the result of startups and their new apps, or even of technology in general. Temp work is the result of four decades of deliberate decisions by executives in corporate America — decisions that changed the nature of work and of capitalism itself. So explains Louis Hyman — a professor of economic history at Cornell, and Jeff Schechtman's guest on this week's WhoWhatWhy podcast. Hyman takes us back to the 1960s and 70s, when the rise of conglomerates and management consultants brought about a reorganization of the American corporation and a profound change in the relationship of employees to their workplace. Hyman shows how corporate America traded stability for short-term profits. At the same time, he challenges the myth of the idyllic post–World War II workplace, arguing that it was only “idyllic” for successful white men and basically repressive for everyone else. He reminds Schechtman that the office and factory of that time offered stable paychecks, but not much self-determination. Today's economy may be volatile, but it offers the possibility of a new kind of individual freedom and a new kind of individualized capitalism. In fact, Hyman says, the corporation may no longer even be necessary to capitalism. According to Hyman, over the last ten years, 94 percent of net new jobs have appeared outside of traditional employment, and approximately one-third of the workforce now depends on this alternative world of work, either as a primary or supplementary source of income. He also points out that today's corporations, like Starbucks and Walmart, are really the drivers of the gig economy, as a direct result of their failure to meet employees' need for a “living wage.” He refers to Uber and other gig economy players as the “waste product of the service economy,” because people drive for ride-hailing services or take temp jobs to provide the income that their full-time jobs don't. Despite the downside of the gig economy, Hyman argues that the burgeoning expansion of temporary work holds the promise of a complete reinvention of capitalism and economic freedom. If we can get it right, he says, it can be an exciting new world. Louis Hyman is the author of Temp: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream Became Temporary (Viking, August 21, 2018).
Louis Hyman is McKinsey alum and Associate Professor of Economic History at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University. In this episode we talk about his new book: Temp: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream Became Temporary. The gig economy is not a new phenomenon – this book explores how we got to where we are today. It weaves together the stories of Manpower,Inc. McKinsey & Co., the Bracero program that legally brought seasonal farm laborers from Mexico to the United States. There is also the story of how accounting firms became the big technology consulting firms. And how consultants helped encourage the rise of big conglomerates and then the reorganization and restructuring of those same companies. Fascinating throughout. To learn more, visit www.LouisHyman.com.
“Make American Great Again” is not a precise slogan, but it did capture the sense of anxiety many Americans feel about work in the 21st century. The “gig economy,” in which more and more American workers rely on multiple jobs, is certainly different from the job market just three generations ago, when employers offered the stability of life-long employment and the promise of a pension-funded retirement. In this episode, Bob and Ben speak with Cornell University's Louis Hyman about the origins of the so-called “good job” in the mid-20th century, and the forces that led us from there to what he calls the “second industrious revolution.” He also explains how we might structure the economy of the 21st century in a way that offers the freedom of the gig economy without the insecurity that so many face under our current institutions. Dr. Louis Hyman is a historian of work and business at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, where he also directs the Institute for Workplace Studies in New York City. His book Temp: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream Became Temporary (Viking) will be released on August 21, 2018. “Make American Great Again” is not a precise slogan, but it did capture the sense of anxiety many Americans feel about work in the 21st century. The “gig economy,” in which more and more American workers rely on multiple jobs, is certainly different from the job market just three generations ago, when employers offered the stability of life-long employment and the promise of a pension-funded retirement. In this episode, Bob and Ben speak with Cornell University's Louis Hyman about the origins of the so-called “good job” in the mid-20th century, and the forces that led us from there to what he calls the “second industrious revolution.” He also explains how we might structure the economy of the 21st century in a way that offers the freedom of the gig economy without the insecurity that so many face under our current institutions. Dr. Louis Hyman is a historian of work and business at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, where he also directs the Institute for Workplace Studies in New York City. His book Temp: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream Became Temporary (Viking) will be released on August 21, 2018. The Road to Now is produced by Bob Crawford and Dr. Benjamin Sawyer. For more on this an all our other episodes, visit www.TheRoadToNow.com The Road to Now is part of the Osiris Podcast Network.
Louis Hyman is a historian of work and business at the ILR School of Cornell University, where he also directs the Institute for Workplace Studies in New York City. He is a founding editor of the Columbia Studies in the History of U.S. Capitalism book series from Columbia University Press. On today’s “Leonard Lopate at Large” on WBAI, Louis joins Leonard for an in-depth discussion of economics.
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate the “incel” community, the role of race in Mormon history, and the thrift-shaming of millennials. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: In the wake of a Toronto terrorist attack, “incels,” or involuntary celibates, are gaining attention. Niki referred to this New York Times article about Jordan Peterson. Natalia cited Jia Tolentino’s New Yorker article on the origins of incel rage, Ross Douthat’s New York Times op-ed raising the possibility of the redistribution of sex, and this Washington Post column by historian Melissa J. Gismondi. Niki referred to this paper by Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers. A hoax letter claiming the LDS Church was apologizing for its history of racism upset many. Natalia cited historian Sarah Barringer Gordon’s book The Mormon Question: Polygamy and Constitutional Conflict in Nineteenth Century America as well as historian Max Perry Mueller’s book Race and the Making of the Mormon People, which he discussed in an interview in The Atlantic. Neil referred to Linda Sillitoe’s book Salamander: The Story of the Mormon Forgery Murders. Financial planning recommendations to millennials are increasingly met with internet outrage. Natalia cited Rebecca Onion’s Slate article on the history of the thrift education movement, and Niki referred to historian Louis Hyman’s book Debtor Nation. In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Neil discussed the Guardian article, “Anne Frank’s ‘Dirty’ Jokes Found on Diary Pages She Covered Over.” Natalia talked about Historians on Hamilton: How a Blockbuster Musical is Restaging America’s Past, a new book edited by Claire Potter and Renée Romano. Niki shared this history of commercial flight in the 1930s and this WBUR segment on “What Happens When Someone on Your Flight Has a Medical Emergency.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate President Trump’s proposed tariffs, Weight Watchers’ bid for teenage dieters, and Disneyland’s underpaid workers. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Donald Trump has announced he is slapping high tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, all in the name of national security. Niki referred to Alex Thompson’s Vice article, “Trump’s Tariffs Made Him Labor Unions’ Man of Steel.” Niki also recommended Marc-William Palen’s book The Conspiracy of Free Trade. Weight Watchers is reaching out to young teenagers. Natalia referred to Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s New York Times article, “Losing It in the Anti-Dieting Age” and to Joan Jacobs Brumberg’s book The Body Project: An Intimate History of American Girls. Neil referenced Jennifer Wiener’s New York Times op-ed, “Take Your Daughter to the Movies, Not to Weight Watchers.” Natalia recommended Christy Harrison’s Food Psych Podcast. We discussed the history of Weight Watchers in Episode 19. A new report shows that many employees of Disneyland, “the happiest place on earth,” are homeless or hungry. Niki cited a new study, “Working For the Mouse” and the film The Florida Project as well as two books: Barbara Ehrenreich’s Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America and Louis Hyman’s forthcoming TEMP: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream Became Temporary. In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Neil shared Anne Ewbank’s Atlas Obscura article, “How Orange (the Fruit) Inspired Orange (the Color).” Natalia commented on Drew Schwartz’s VICE article, “Conservatives are Whining Because No One Wants to Date Them.” Niki discussed Joseph Bernstein’s Buzzfeed article, “Teach Them Right: How PragerU Is Winning the Right-Wing Culture War Without Donald Trump."
Historian of capitalism and author of “Borrow: The American Way of Debt” discussed deep economic history and a forgotten chapter of the New Deal era: how capitalism itself stalled in the Great Depression; and what government, allied with entrepreneurs, did to jump-start capitalism. The question is: could it happen again today? From January 02016.
Our guest is Louis Hyman, author of the provocative New York Times editorial, "The Myth of Main Street." Louis is a Cornell University History Professor and the Director of the Institute for Workplace Studies. Nostalgia for the economy's "good old days" has great appeal for many Americans. For the right, past decades bring back memories of Ronald Reagan, traditional cultural values and U.S. dominance in global affairs. For the left, post-war America was a time of stronger unions and less income inequality. But "Make America Great Again" and other appeals to nostalgia come at a high price. Going back to a past with trade barriers, price controls and lower productivity would damage the living standards of many households they're designed to protect. Want to hear what solutions Louis Hyman suggested? Visit out website: howdowefixit.me See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Louis Hyman associate professor of history at the ILR School of Cornell University Ryan Caltagirone Co-Founder of Legal Services Link. Ryan has been on the management side in the brokerage, client development, and sales industries for well over a decade, establishing and overseeing sales teams in a number of consumer-driven markets. He helped launch Legal Services Link with the intention of creating a more consumer-friendly legal hiring process and a more attorney-focused client development tool Scott Cohn now serves as a special correspondent for the network based in Northern California. Scott develops in-depth features, special reports and documentaries for CNBC and CNBC.com, including the influential annual series America's Top States for Business For more information go to MoneyForLunch.com. Connect with Bert Martinez on Facebook. Connect with Bert Martinez on Twitter. Need help with your business? Contact Bert Martinez. Have Bert Martinez speak at your event!
Whose Century Is It?: Ideas, trends & twists shaping the world in the 21st century
Living the "American Dream" is getting harder, as prices rise faster than average wages, and work itself shifts toward a gig economy. How and why did this happen, and how might things change from here? Economic historian Louis Hyman, an associate professor at Cornell University, and author of "Borrow: The American Way of Debt," and "Debtor Nation: The History of America in Red Ink," talks about the emerging gig economy and what it might mean for America's future.
Louis Hyman of Cornell University discusses the changing shape of consumer credit since World War II. Ever wondered how the credit card came to be? Who benefits and who loses in our system of consumer credit? Or how debt shapes American lives? Listen to find out.
Louis Hyman offers important lessons of the New Deal, when the most transformative programs were steered by business leaders whose entrepreneurship made the postwar boom possible. Hyman is assistant professor of history at the ILR School of Cornell University. He delivered the 2013–14 Haaga Lecture at The Huntington.
I remember clearly the day I was offered my first credit card. It was in Berkeley, CA in 1985. I was walking on Sproul Plaza and I saw a booth manned by two students. They were giving out all kinds of swag, so I walked over to see what was to be had. T-shirts, I think. I asked them if I could get a credit card, sure that the answer had to be “no.” But the answer was an enthusiastic “yes.” I asked them if they understood that: a) I had no income beyond a tiny graduate student stipend; b) that I was carrying a debt from college that had been kindly “deferred”; and c) that my long-term prospects, money-making wise, were poor (the market in early Russian history degrees not being very hot). They said they didn't know any of that, but it didn't matter. All I had to do was to fill out a form and the card would arrive in the mail. I declined. As Louis Hyman tells us in his excellent and important Debtor Nation: The History of America in Red Ink (Princeton UP, 2011), it wasn't always so. Before the 1920s, most people could get no credit at all, least of all from a financial institution. But then, thanks to a confluence of odd interests, consumer credit expanded mightily. Companies that made expensive stuff (cars) and companies that handled large pools of idle money (banks) found, much to their surprise that if you lent ordinary folks large sums of money at moderate interest, they would pay it back. The producers and banks lent more; consumers borrowed and bought more; and, in turn, the producers and banks used higher profits to increase productivity, putting still more money in the pockets of consumers. And so the cycle continued, ultimately fostering the largest expansion in production and consumption the world had ever seen. Whether it will continue is a subject of some dispute today. A review of Debtor Nation can be found in Public Books here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I remember clearly the day I was offered my first credit card. It was in Berkeley, CA in 1985. I was walking on Sproul Plaza and I saw a booth manned by two students. They were giving out all kinds of swag, so I walked over to see what was...
I remember clearly the day I was offered my first credit card. It was in Berkeley, CA in 1985. I was walking on Sproul Plaza and I saw a booth manned by two students. They were giving out all kinds of swag, so I walked over to see what was to be had. T-shirts, I think. I asked them if I could get a credit card, sure that the answer had to be “no.” But the answer was an enthusiastic “yes.” I asked them if they understood that: a) I had no income beyond a tiny graduate student stipend; b) that I was carrying a debt from college that had been kindly “deferred”; and c) that my long-term prospects, money-making wise, were poor (the market in early Russian history degrees not being very hot). They said they didn’t know any of that, but it didn’t matter. All I had to do was to fill out a form and the card would arrive in the mail. I declined. As Louis Hyman tells us in his excellent and important Debtor Nation: The History of America in Red Ink (Princeton UP, 2011), it wasn’t always so. Before the 1920s, most people could get no credit at all, least of all from a financial institution. But then, thanks to a confluence of odd interests, consumer credit expanded mightily. Companies that made expensive stuff (cars) and companies that handled large pools of idle money (banks) found, much to their surprise that if you lent ordinary folks large sums of money at moderate interest, they would pay it back. The producers and banks lent more; consumers borrowed and bought more; and, in turn, the producers and banks used higher profits to increase productivity, putting still more money in the pockets of consumers. And so the cycle continued, ultimately fostering the largest expansion in production and consumption the world had ever seen. Whether it will continue is a subject of some dispute today. A review of Debtor Nation can be found in Public Books here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I remember clearly the day I was offered my first credit card. It was in Berkeley, CA in 1985. I was walking on Sproul Plaza and I saw a booth manned by two students. They were giving out all kinds of swag, so I walked over to see what was to be had. T-shirts, I think. I asked them if I could get a credit card, sure that the answer had to be “no.” But the answer was an enthusiastic “yes.” I asked them if they understood that: a) I had no income beyond a tiny graduate student stipend; b) that I was carrying a debt from college that had been kindly “deferred”; and c) that my long-term prospects, money-making wise, were poor (the market in early Russian history degrees not being very hot). They said they didn’t know any of that, but it didn’t matter. All I had to do was to fill out a form and the card would arrive in the mail. I declined. As Louis Hyman tells us in his excellent and important Debtor Nation: The History of America in Red Ink (Princeton UP, 2011), it wasn’t always so. Before the 1920s, most people could get no credit at all, least of all from a financial institution. But then, thanks to a confluence of odd interests, consumer credit expanded mightily. Companies that made expensive stuff (cars) and companies that handled large pools of idle money (banks) found, much to their surprise that if you lent ordinary folks large sums of money at moderate interest, they would pay it back. The producers and banks lent more; consumers borrowed and bought more; and, in turn, the producers and banks used higher profits to increase productivity, putting still more money in the pockets of consumers. And so the cycle continued, ultimately fostering the largest expansion in production and consumption the world had ever seen. Whether it will continue is a subject of some dispute today. A review of Debtor Nation can be found in Public Books here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I remember clearly the day I was offered my first credit card. It was in Berkeley, CA in 1985. I was walking on Sproul Plaza and I saw a booth manned by two students. They were giving out all kinds of swag, so I walked over to see what was to be had. T-shirts, I think. I asked them if I could get a credit card, sure that the answer had to be “no.” But the answer was an enthusiastic “yes.” I asked them if they understood that: a) I had no income beyond a tiny graduate student stipend; b) that I was carrying a debt from college that had been kindly “deferred”; and c) that my long-term prospects, money-making wise, were poor (the market in early Russian history degrees not being very hot). They said they didn’t know any of that, but it didn’t matter. All I had to do was to fill out a form and the card would arrive in the mail. I declined. As Louis Hyman tells us in his excellent and important Debtor Nation: The History of America in Red Ink (Princeton UP, 2011), it wasn’t always so. Before the 1920s, most people could get no credit at all, least of all from a financial institution. But then, thanks to a confluence of odd interests, consumer credit expanded mightily. Companies that made expensive stuff (cars) and companies that handled large pools of idle money (banks) found, much to their surprise that if you lent ordinary folks large sums of money at moderate interest, they would pay it back. The producers and banks lent more; consumers borrowed and bought more; and, in turn, the producers and banks used higher profits to increase productivity, putting still more money in the pockets of consumers. And so the cycle continued, ultimately fostering the largest expansion in production and consumption the world had ever seen. Whether it will continue is a subject of some dispute today. A review of Debtor Nation can be found in Public Books here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I remember clearly the day I was offered my first credit card. It was in Berkeley, CA in 1985. I was walking on Sproul Plaza and I saw a booth manned by two students. They were giving out all kinds of swag, so I walked over to see what was to be had. T-shirts, I think. I asked them if I could get a credit card, sure that the answer had to be “no.” But the answer was an enthusiastic “yes.” I asked them if they understood that: a) I had no income beyond a tiny graduate student stipend; b) that I was carrying a debt from college that had been kindly “deferred”; and c) that my long-term prospects, money-making wise, were poor (the market in early Russian history degrees not being very hot). They said they didn’t know any of that, but it didn’t matter. All I had to do was to fill out a form and the card would arrive in the mail. I declined. As Louis Hyman tells us in his excellent and important Debtor Nation: The History of America in Red Ink (Princeton UP, 2011), it wasn’t always so. Before the 1920s, most people could get no credit at all, least of all from a financial institution. But then, thanks to a confluence of odd interests, consumer credit expanded mightily. Companies that made expensive stuff (cars) and companies that handled large pools of idle money (banks) found, much to their surprise that if you lent ordinary folks large sums of money at moderate interest, they would pay it back. The producers and banks lent more; consumers borrowed and bought more; and, in turn, the producers and banks used higher profits to increase productivity, putting still more money in the pockets of consumers. And so the cycle continued, ultimately fostering the largest expansion in production and consumption the world had ever seen. Whether it will continue is a subject of some dispute today. A review of Debtor Nation can be found in Public Books here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this show I talk with Dr. Louis Hyman, a consumer credit historian. We talk about the history of debt relief. He points out that the process of intervening in the debt of consumer began way back after World War I with the advent of new consumer debt opportunities. It does not matter if it […] The post The History of Getting Out of Debt This Week on the Get Out of Debt Guy Show appeared first on Get Out of Debt Guy - Steve Rhode. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/get-out-of-debt-guy/support
On today’s show I talk with Dr. Louis Hyman, an expert in the history of debt. Not only was it great talking with him but we chatted just as long off the air. This is one guy you’ll be hearing more from in the future on this show. We talked about the history of debt, […] The post Debtors’ Prison, Why Creditors Don’t Care if You Repay Your Debt, and Bankruptcy – The Get Out Of Debt Guy Show appeared first on Get Out of Debt Guy - Steve Rhode. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/get-out-of-debt-guy/support