Boomer Nostalgia and Economic Mythology

In this podcast, Stephen Michael Davis analyzes Adam Pozen's controversial statement about domestic manufacturing and its implications. Davis critiques the populist narrative of deindustrialization in America, arguing that it is not supported by economic data, as manufacturing output remains high. He suggests that the focus on manufacturing jobs is driven by nostalgia, particularly among baby boomers who idealize the post-war era. Davis contends that the romanticized view of manufacturing overlooks the sector's historical challenges and the broader economic shifts that have occurred, and demographic factors significantly influence perceptions of economic change and national greatness.