Downstream: Social Mobility Is A Lie w/ Dan Evans

Downstream: Social Mobility Is A Lie w/ Dan Evans

Author: Novara Media July 31, 2023 Duration: 2:02:34
Novara Media
NewsCulturePhilosophyPoliticsSocietySociety & Culture

Has the left misunderstood the state of our nation? Sociologist and trade unionist Dan Evans thinks so. He talks to Aaron about the unexpected power of the petty bourgeoisie – the insecure class between the working class and the bourgeoisie – and how its Thatcherite values of home ownership and entrepreneurialism have reshaped British politics in the last few decades.

They also discuss the political culture of Dan’s hometown in South Wales, what Corbynism got wrong about class, why university graduates are facing downward mobility and – perhaps inevitably – the state of the Labour Party.

Dan’s book, A Nation of Shopkeepers: The Unstoppable Rise of The Petty Bourgeoisie, is out now from Repeater.


Tune in to Novara Media for a distinct and probing take on the world as it is, and as it could be. This independent podcast offers a necessary space for the conversations often sidelined elsewhere, weaving together sharp analysis of current affairs with deeper explorations of culture, philosophy and power. Each episode naturally delves into the interconnected crises shaping our time-be it the fraying edges of our economic system, the urgent fight for climate justice, or the enduring struggles against structural inequality. The discussions are built on a foundation of radical thought and a commitment to imagining alternatives, moving beyond the day's headlines to examine the root causes and potential futures. Hosted by the team at Novara Media, the audio format brings a direct, engaging and often challenging perspective, featuring interviews, panel debates and solo commentaries that refuse simplistic answers. It’s for anyone who finds mainstream narratives insufficient and is looking for a podcast that treats politics, society and culture as the complex, urgent and deeply human matters they truly are.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 306

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