The Decline of Geographic Mobility and Its Consequences for America
According to Yoni Appelbaum, a historian and deputy executive editor at The Atlantic, Americans have become increasingly less likely to settle in new places. In his book "Stuck: How the Privileged and the Propertied Broke the Engine of American Opportunity," Appelbaum examines the consequences of this decline in geographic mobility for both individuals and the broader political and economic landscape of the US.
The Relationship between Mobility and Political Drift
Appelbaum’s research revealed a correlation between staying in and around hometowns and supporting right-leaning political candidates in the 2016 election. He suggests that moving may foster open-mindedness, receptiveness to diversity, and a belief in the possibility of mutually beneficial outcomes. Conversely, those who are unable to move may become more cynical, pessimistic, and inclined to view the world as a zero-sum game. This immobility can contribute to a political climate that perceives change as threatening and diversity as dangerous.
The Economic and Social Benefits of Mobility
Appelbaum argues that geographic mobility has played a significant role in shaping America’s innovative spirit. Moving often enables individuals to leave behind economic disadvantages and gain access to new opportunities. It also fosters social connections, as people who relocate tend to seek out new relationships and join organizations. This mobility has traditionally served as a "social glue" that binds Americans together. Furthermore, economic growth and job creation rely on labor mobility to match workers with opportunities.
Barriers to Geographic Mobility
Local zoning restrictions have created barriers to geographic mobility by limiting the availability and affordability of housing. While zoning laws may aim to preserve local character or protect property values, they can also make it prohibitively expensive for people to move to areas with better economic prospects. Appelbaum also points to broader policy shifts that have contributed to the decline in mobility, including the federal retreat from regulating transportation, enforcing antitrust, and investing in infrastructure. These changes have made it more challenging for people to access job opportunities in different regions.
The Interplay between Affordable Housing and Mobility
Appelbaum highlights the role of affordable housing in facilitating mobility. While 19th-century tenements had certain drawbacks, many residents found them to be a temporary solution that enabled economic advancement. However, modern housing regulations have made affordable housing scarce, leaving people with a choice between moving to expensive areas and remaining in poverty-stricken neighborhoods. This dynamic hinders mobility and undermines the ability of people to improve their lives.
The Impact of Housing Reform Movements
Progressive housing reform movements have often focused on eliminating substandard housing conditions. However, Appelbaum cautions that reformers may have inadvertently harmed those they sought to help by imposing middle-class preferences and overlooking the economic realities of many individuals. He suggests that giving people the agency to choose their own housing conditions, even if they are not ideal, may yield better outcomes than imposing one-size-fits-all solutions.
The Erosion of Trust and Tolerance
Appelbaum acknowledges the tension between the need to expose problems and the importance of maintaining trust and tolerance. He suggests that a wave of progressive activism in the latter half of the 20th century fostered an adversarial relationship with government and expertise. While this activism was initially effective in challenging abuses of power, it may have also contributed to the erosion of faith in institutions and the ability to find collective solutions.
The Future of Welfare and Mobility
Appelbaum proposes that America may need to redesign its welfare system if geographic mobility cannot be restored. A more static population may require a stronger form of redistribution to address the mismatch between economic gains and population distribution. However, this approach has its own set of challenges, including high unemployment and intergenerational poverty. Ultimately, America faces a choice between maximizing individual agency and providing a robust social safety net to support those who are unable to move.
In conclusion, Appelbaum’s analysis of the decline in geographic mobility in America raises important questions about the future of the nation. The loss of mobility has far-reaching consequences for individuals and society as a whole. It is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach, balancing the need for economic growth, social cohesion, and affordable housing.
