Americans are expected to take on debt, because that's how we're expected to finance everything from basic needs to a college education. And that's a function of economic policy making. That doesn't happen by accident. Mallory SoRelle A full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com. Mallory SoRelle is an assistant professor of public policy at Duke University and the author of Democracy Declined: The Failed Politics of Consumer Financial Protection. Key Highlights Include How the American economy depends on creditA brief history of consumer credit in AmericaDetails why consumer debt is a systemic problemWhy financial consumers do not politically mobilize Explains how public policy shapes political behavior Key Links Democracy Declined: The Failed Politics of Consumer Financial Protection by Mallory SoRelle Learn more about Mallory SoRelle Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Related Content Sheryl WuDunn Paints a Picture of Poverty in America and Offers Hope for Solutions Jacob Hacker and Paul Pierson on the Plutocratic Populism of the Republican Party More from the Podcast More Information Democracy Group Apes of the State created all Music Email the show at [email protected] Follow me on Twitter @DemParadox 100 Books on Democracy