The Realignment 538 | Yoni Appelbaum: Stuck - How the Engine of American Opportunity Broke
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Feb 25, 2025 
Yoni Appelbaum, author of "Stuck" and Deputy Executive Director of The Atlantic, discusses the decline of the American Dream and the barriers to social mobility since the 1970s. He highlights how restrictive zoning laws contribute to rising housing prices and immobility. The conversation dives into the complexities of relocating for better opportunities versus the desire to stay in familiar communities. Appelbaum also critiques the challenges posed by remote work trends and calls for equitable urban planning to support marginalized groups.
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19th-Century Mobility
- 19th-century America saw high mobility rates, with one in three people moving yearly.
- This stemmed from the American ideal of self-reinvention and the pursuit of opportunity, contrasting with fixed social structures in Europe.
Psychological Impact of Mobility
- Those who move tend to become more optimistic and tolerant, while those who want to but cannot become cynical and alienated.
- This highlights the psychological impact of mobility and its connection to political polarization.
Marshall's Moving Story
- Marshall Kosloff shares his experience of moving for opportunity, highlighting the coastal elite dynamic and the affordability challenge.
- His story emphasizes the limitations faced by those seeking the traditional path of moving to expensive cities.
