About this episode

Betsey Stevenson discusses how to ensure the benefits of AI are shared broadly, drawing on historical examples and suggesting policies for wealth distribution.

Betsey Stevenson is a labor economist at the University of Michigan, and she was an economic adviser to President Obama. Betsey’s problem is this: How can we create a world where the benefits of AI are broadly shared? Betsey draws on history – including how the invention of household appliances created a crisis of meaning for American women – to understand how we should respond to the challenge of AI. And she suggests policies to help spread the wealth AI could bring. In this episode, Betsey explains:  How Engels’ Pause serves as a warning for workers How 20th century women adapted to automation How AI has changed life for college students The argument for taxing AI firms and distributing the proceeds to the public Connect with us: Follow Jacob Goldstein on LinkedIn , X and Instagram Email us at problem@pushkin.fm   Follow Pushkin on Instagram , LinkedIn or X   Listen to Jacob’s other show, Business History  To listen to the show early and ad free, sign up for Pushkin+ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Host: Jacob Goldstein

Guest: Betsey Stevenson

Topics covered

• AI
• economics
• automation
• labor
• policy
• wealth distribution

Keywords

• AI
• labor economics
• automation
• wealth distribution
• Engels' Pause
• 20th century women
• taxing AI firms

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Michigan, President Obama, Pushkin

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