Question

Listen to the interview with Richard Rothstein on the National Public Radio Fresh Air segment. Then answer the following questions regarding the content of the interview.

1. What are some ways that government policies instituted in the early to middle 20th century impacted the demographics of housing?

2. Discuss ways that these policies may play a role in susceptibility to disease to COVID-19 infection?

Answer 1

1. The word “demographics” comes from the Ancient Greek: “demo” meaning people and “graphics” meaning measurement. There is a strong tradition of studying demography as part of economics. The rising share of older people will put significant pressure on Social Security and Medicare in the U.S., which are structured as pay-as-you-go programs, with current workers providing support for current retirees. In summary, demographic change will result in a slower-growing and older population. This transition will likely put downward pressure on the growth rate of potential output, the natural rate of unemployment, and the long-term equilibrium interest rate.

2 The guidelines aim at informing housing policies and regulations at the national, regional and local level on the impact of housing on health. Therefore, the main target audience for the guidelines is policy-makers who are responsible for housing-related policies and regulations, enforcement measures, and initiating intersectoral collaboration that seeks to support healthy housing from a government perspective.

While the guidelines provide global recommendations, their implementation and prioritization will vary depending on local contexts and will require national, regional and local adaptation.