Hidden Brain Podcast – Between Two Worlds

Intro

In this episode of the Hidden Brain podcast, titled “Between Two Worlds,” host Shankar Vedantam explores the challenges and ethical trade-offs faced by individuals striving for upward mobility. Through personal stories and expert insights, the episode delves into the internal conflicts, sacrifices, and emotional costs that come with leaving behind one’s community and pursuing a better life.

Main Takeaways

The Parable of the Stairs: Ethical Trade-offs in Upward Mobility

• The parable of the stairs raises important questions about upward mobility.
• Many who climb the ladder of upward mobility are torn about leaving behind those who are suffering.
• Philosopher Jennifer Morton argues that a willingness to make ethical trade-offs is an ingredient in the story of upward mobility.
• Strivers are ambitious, hardworking, and willing to make trade-offs in pursuit of their ambitions.

City College of New York: A Path to the American Dream

• City College of New York offers a shot at the American dream for students from working-class and immigrant families.
• City College of New York was founded as a school for Jewish immigrants and used to be free.
• Over three-quarters of students at City College are people of color and nearly half are first-generation college students.
• Many students at City College are dealing with family crises, such as homelessness or caring for family members.

Struggles of Strivers: Balancing Obligations and Ambitions

• Students often feel torn between their obligations to their families and their desire to succeed academically.
• These sacrifices involve an ethical trade-off and can lead to internalized guilt and self-doubt.
• Todd’s success in college and work led to him distancing himself from his family and community, causing difficult conversations around money.
• Strivers from low-income communities face ethical costs on the path to upward mobility, including leaving behind loved ones and struggling to adapt to middle-class norms.

Challenges Faced by Low-Income and First-Generation Students

• Only 11% of low-income first-generation students finish college within six years of enrolling compared to 55% of other students.
• Financial obstacles, such as the cost of books, housing, and food, contribute to low graduation rates among first-generation and low-income students.
• Emotional and psychological costs, such as feeling torn between helping their families and succeeding in college, also make it difficult for students to finish college.
• Sacrifices made on the path to upward mobility cannot always be compensated for by personal and social relationships.

The Battle Between Moving Forward and Holding On

• Strivers feel like they have to completely reinvent themselves and leave their old selves behind to avoid being pulled down by their community, like crabs in a bucket.
• The ethical cost of being a striver is a battle between moving forward and feeling like one can’t leave their origins behind.
• Growing up in Peru during the 80s was beset by terrorism, high inflation, and political instability.
• The speaker grew up straddling two worlds: a working-class family life and going to school with extremely wealthy people.

Summary

The Paradox of Upward Mobility: Ethical Trade-offs and Internal Conflicts

The parable of the stairs symbolizes the challenges faced by individuals striving for upward mobility. While strivers are ambitious and hardworking, they often grapple with leaving behind their communities and loved ones who are still suffering. Philosopher Jennifer Morton highlights the importance of making ethical trade-offs on the path to success. However, these trade-offs can lead to internalized guilt and self-doubt.

City College of New York: A Gateway to the American Dream

City College of New York has historically provided an opportunity for students from working-class and immigrant families to pursue higher education. The college, originally founded as a school for Jewish immigrants, has a diverse student body, with over three-quarters of students being people of color and nearly half being first-generation college students. However, many students at City College must navigate family crises while striving for academic success.

The Struggles of Strivers: Balancing Obligations and Ambitions

Strivers, like Todd, often experience a sense of internal conflict as they distance themselves from their families and communities while pursuing their goals. They face the ethical cost of leaving loved ones behind and adapting to middle-class norms. These sacrifices can lead to difficult conversations around money and a constant battle between moving forward and feeling connected to their origins.

Challenges Faced by Low-Income and First-Generation Students

Low-income and first-generation students face numerous obstacles on their path to upward mobility. Financial barriers, such as the cost of books, housing, and food, contribute to low graduation rates. Additionally, the emotional and psychological costs of feeling torn between helping their families and succeeding academically make it challenging for these students to complete their degrees. Personal and social relationships may not fully compensate for the sacrifices made.

The Battle Between Moving Forward and Holding On: Straddling Two Worlds

Strivers who straddle two worlds, like the speaker who grew up in Peru, face unique challenges. They navigate different identities, often becoming experts at code-switching. However, this can lead to tension and a sense of inauthenticity. The speaker emphasizes the value of acknowledging what is left behind and constructing a narrative that encompasses the challenges faced. It is important not to blame those who choose to stay in impoverished communities, as their achievements may be diminished but their deep-rooted connections hold value.

Conclusion

The pursuit of upward mobility comes with significant ethical trade-offs and internal conflicts for strivers. Leaving behind communities and loved ones, navigating different identities, and facing financial and emotional obstacles are all part of the journey. It is crucial to recognize the sacrifices made by individuals striving for success and to acknowledge the value of the connections and roots they leave behind. The path to upward mobility is complex and multifaceted, requiring a delicate balance between moving forward and holding on.