
Sophia Rosenfeld
Historian and Walter Annenberg Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania specializing in European and American intellectual and cultural history, and author of The Age of Choice.
Top 5 podcasts with Sophia Rosenfeld
Ranked by the Snipd community

30 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 53min
Behind the News: The DEI Obsession w/ Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò
Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò, an associate professor of philosophy at Georgetown, and Sophia Rosenfeld, a history professor at the University of Pennsylvania, delve into the DEI phenomenon. They critique how corporate diversity initiatives often fail to address deep-rooted inequalities. The conversation touches on the tensions between tech workers and leadership, the superficiality of 'wokeness' among elites, and the historical evolution of choice in society. Listeners gain insight into the complexities of social justice and the changing dynamics of freedom in modern contexts.

18 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 26min
Drowning in Decisions: Do We Have Too Many Choices?
Sophia Rosenfeld, a Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania and author of "The Age of Choice," discusses how our understanding of freedom has evolved. She examines the historical roots of choice from the Enlightenment to the present, highlighting its implications on personal identity and autonomy. The conversation delves into the commercialization of choices, the dynamics of gender roles, and the impact of the feminist movement. Rosenfeld also tackles the complexities of choice in areas like dating and reproductive rights, revealing how overwhelming options can shape contemporary life.

12 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 38min
Sophia Rosenfeld, "The Age of Choice: A History of Freedom in Modern Life" (Princeton UP, 2025)
Sophia Rosenfeld, a history professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author of "The Age of Choice," dives into the fascinating evolution of choice as a symbol of freedom. She discusses how the abundance of choices today has transformed our understanding of personal and political freedom. Exploring the historical roots, from its impact on women's autonomy to its role in American democracy, she reveals the paradoxes of choice, including the anxiety it causes amidst overwhelming options, and how it shapes our modern struggles for rights.

10 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 1h 7min
Freedom Hasn’t Always Meant Choice | Interview: Sophia Rosenfeld
Sophia Rosenfeld, historian and author of The Age of Choice, explores how everyday acts of choosing reshaped modern freedom. She traces choice from commerce and the Reformation to department stores, secret ballots, and party politics. The conversation probes choice overload, algorithms, feminism’s use of choice language, and the American Revolution’s wider impact.

10 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 35min
The Cheesecake Factory Model of Freedom
Sophia Rosenfeld, a historian at the University of Pennsylvania and author of *The Age of Choice*, dives deep into the evolution of freedom and choice in modern society. She compares the historical significance of secret ballots to today’s consumer overload. The discussion also critiques the pro-choice movement's framing regarding abortion and examines its implications for feminist strategies. Additionally, she tackles the challenges of academic freedom versus safety in education, highlighting the risks educators face in today’s politically charged environment.


