Why ‘Deaths of Despair’ May Be a Warning Sign for America | Moving Upstream

Summary

Nobel laureate Angus Deaton and his wife Anne Case, both Princeton professors, discuss the alarming rise in suicide rates among middle-aged whites in America, a phenomenon termed 'deaths of despair.' They explore the role of economic hardship, spiritual and social life failures, and the impact of education, noting that those without a BA are disproportionately affected. The conversation also touches on the potential societal and economic crises, drawing comparisons with Europe's social safety nets and the historical context of capitalism's evolution.

Takeaways

• 🏆 Nobel laureate Angus Deaton and his wife, Anne Case, are concerned about the vanishing American Dream for many.
• 📉 The U.S. is experiencing a rise in suicide rates, particularly among middle-aged white Americans, from 1999 to 2016.
• 🏞 A 'suicide belt' stretches along the Rocky Mountains, including states like Arizona, New Mexico, and Alaska.
• 💔 The issue is not solely economic; it's also tied to a failure in spiritual and social life, suggesting deeper societal problems.
• 💸 The professors argue that economic factors may trigger despair, but they are not the direct cause of the rise in suicides.
• 🌍 The phenomenon of 'deaths of despair' is notably a North American issue, with Europe showing different trends despite similar economic challenges.
• 🏛 The breakdown of family structures and social bonds is theorized to contribute to the crisis of despair.
• 🏫 Education plays a significant role, with those without a BA being more susceptible to despair and having fewer opportunities.
• 🌱 The post-WWII period saw a rise in prosperity for all, but since the 1970s, the divide has grown, affecting the working class and less educated.
• ⚖️ The potential for a societal crisis is highlighted if the current trends continue, with implications for the future of capitalism and social structures.

Q & A

What is the main concern expressed by Angus Deaton and Anne Case regarding the American dream?

Angus Deaton and Anne Case express concern that the reality of the American dream is disappearing for the majority, as indicated by a rising trend in deaths of despair, particularly among middle-aged white Americans.

How do Deaton and Case describe the current state of democracy in the United States?

Deaton and Case suggest that the 250-year experiment with democracy in the U.S. could be coming to an end, as they observe a potential crisis in the American way of life.

What is the term used by the professors to describe the rise in suicides, particularly among certain demographics?

The term used by Deaton and Case to describe the rise in suicides is 'deaths of despair,' which they associate with a failure of spiritual and social life rather than just economic hardship.

What geographical area in the U.S. has been identified as having a high rate of suicides?

Deaton and Case refer to a 'suicide belt' in America, which stretches from Arizona and New Mexico up through the Rocky Mountains to Alaska.

What is the observed difference in suicide rates between middle-aged whites and middle-aged African Americans?

The suicide rate among middle-aged African Americans is not on the rise and is significantly lower than that of whites, despite whites being wealthier.

What role do Deaton and Case believe economic factors play in the rise of suicides?

While economic factors like job loss and financial insecurity may trigger despair, Deaton and Case argue that it is ultimately a failure of spiritual and social life that drives people to suicide.

How do the professors compare the phenomenon of 'deaths of despair' between North America and Europe?

Deaton and Case note that 'deaths of despair' seem to be a North American phenomenon, as Europe does not show the same trend despite similar economic challenges like high unemployment in some areas.

What are some of the theories offered by Deaton and Case to explain the rise in 'deaths of despair'?

The professors offer theories such as the breakdown of families, deterioration of social bonds, and a shift in religious practices towards more individualistic experiences, which may contribute to the rise in 'deaths of despair.'

What correlation do Deaton and Case find in the data regarding education levels and 'deaths of despair'?

Deaton and Case find a strong correlation between a lack of a BA (Bachelor's degree) and the occurrence of 'deaths of despair,' suggesting that people without a university degree are more affected by this trend.

What broader implications do Deaton and Case suggest the 'deaths of despair' might have for American society?

Deaton and Case suggest that 'deaths of despair' could indicate a crisis of capitalism, particularly for those without higher education, and might lead to a societal crisis if the current trends continue.

What historical context do Deaton and Case provide regarding the period after World War II and its impact on American society?

Deaton and Case reference the period from 1945 to the early 1970s as a time when capitalism seemed to deliver for everyone, with all boats rising together, including working-class people without a college degree. They suggest that this period of shared prosperity has been eroding since the 1970s.