We often hear about the shrinking middle class, but why is the size changing. We learn why our guest believes that the condition of a class is more important than its size. We also learn more about the role adjunct faculty members play in university systems and why too many adjuncts could mean bad news for the future of higher education. Additionally, we discuss what’s missing from the national conversation about infrastructure.
Featured in this Show
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To Assess The Health Of The Middle Class, Look Beyond Its Size
Politicians and everyday people often talk with concern about the shrinking middle class. However, the middle class can get smaller for different reasons. Our guest talks with us about why the condition of the middle class is more important to the economy than its size.
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Are Universities Relying Too Much On Adjunct Faculty?
Recent strikes and near-strikes are shining a light on an emerging issue in higher education: a heavy reliance on adjunct faculty. According to 2016 data from the American Association of University Professors, 73 percent of instructors at the country’s colleges and universities are working in non-tenure track jobs. Our guest says that’s a big problem, and if left unchanged, could have some serious implications for the future of higher education.
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Adding Depth To Coverage And Conversations About Infrastructure
Democratic lawmakers and President Trump met today to discuss what could result in a bipartisan plan on infrastructure worth $2 trillion. We talk to the head of a transportation and infrastructure advocacy group about what she thinks needs to be part of conversations and media coverage of the issue.
Episode Credits
- Rob Ferrett Host
- Richard Reeves Guest
- Aaron Hanlon Guest
- Beth Osborne Guest
- Chris Malina Producer
- Rachael Vasquez Producer
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