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February 12, 2025 19 mins


In this episode of the Missing Middle podcast, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt discuss the phenomenon of the 'relationship recession,' exploring its causes, implications for society, and the economic challenges it presents. They delve into how changing social dynamics, economic pressures, and technological advancements are reshaping relationships and family structures, particularly among younger generations. The conversation highlights the impact of these trends on the middle class and the need for policy solutions that address the root causes of declining relationship formation.


Chapters:


00:00 Introduction

01:31 Understanding the relationship recession

04:40 Scott Galloway’s theory of men

06:28 The role of technology

09:05 How much of this is a choice?

11:06 Incentives versus structural barriers

13:09 Economic implications of relationship trends

14:40 The role of unaffordable rents on relationships

17:00 the expansion and retraction of personal choice


Links:

The relationship recession is going global

A Few(er) Good Men

Why Americans Suddenly Stopped Hanging Out

Loneliness in Canada

Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux

Produced by Meredith Martin

This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

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