China tightens its grip on freedom in academics

Scholars often debate risking their livelihoods and personal safety in order to conduct research in certain areas.

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  • Authoritarian governments that rely heavily on coercion must be more intrusive about how education shapes the personality and character of its members.
  • In China, there are topics that scholars know to avoid — especially, the Three Ts: Taiwan, Tibet, and Tiananmen Square.
  • While the majority of scholars are likely toeing the party line when it comes to their research, some are working toward encouraging academic freedom in the country, often at significant risk to themselves and their families.
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Millennial income 20% less than boomers at same stage of life

Millennial income did not recover from the Great Recession like older generation', a disparity that can have dire consequences for future generations.

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  • A New America report shows millennial income and wealth accumulation lags dramatically behind their parents and grandparents' generations.
  • Resulting from the Great Recession, rising debt, and volatile wealth flow, this imbalance will impair future generations if not corrected.
  • The report's authors argue the shortfall can be redressed with comprehensive policy changes.
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Dehumanization has been trending for decades. Here’s how.

There is greater social distance between Americans than ever before.

  • There has been a trend toward dehumanization the past four or five decades. This dehumanization has made it easier for us to see others more as commodities than as co-citizens.
  • This dehumanization manifests in four different pillars: political polarization, income inequality, automation, and marketization.
  • Whether through political splits, or income differences, there is more social distance between us than ever before. This distance makes it easier for us, out of ignorance, to treat others in ways that are inhumane.
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How to build a fairer gig economy in 4 steps

Gig workers suffer from low pay, wage theft, precariousness, dangerous working conditions, and discrimination.

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You've probably heard at least two things about the gig economy.

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We have the tools and technology to work less and live better

We can produce more stuff with less labor. So why are we still working?

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In 1930, a year into the Great Depression, John Maynard Keynes sat down to write about the economic possibilities of his grandchildren.

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