The myth that hard work pays off in the US, and always leads to a better and more economically prosperous life, has come unraveled in recent years. Many jobs simply do not pay enough for workers to meet their basic needs, much less do things such as save for retirement, fund their kids’ education, or allow for leisure.

In her first book, “The Guarantee: Inside the Fight for America’s Next Economy,” Natalie Foster asks us to imagine a new economic framework that casts aside the failures of the trickle-down approach to embrace one that builds economic security and well-being from the bottom up. Foster — co-founder of the Economic Security Project, a leading voice for guaranteed income, and senior fellow at the Aspen Institute’s Future of Work Initiative — explores a bold vision in which housing, health care, higher education, dignified work, family care, and an opportunity to build generational wealth are guaranteed for all by our government. Through real-life experiences, collaborations with prominent activists and thinkers, compelling narratives, and analysis, Foster forces us to dream big and ask tough questions about why we provide so many government-backed guarantees and supports to the private sector, but very little to the people. 

In this book talk — hosted May 15, 2024, by the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program — Foster discusses what a New Deal could look like for the 21st Century. Dr. Manuel Pastor, distinguished professor of sociology and American studies and ethnicity at the University of Southern California, provides opening remarks. Maureen Conway, vice president at the Aspen Institute and executive director of the Economic Opportunities Program, moderates the discussion.

For more information about this event, including speaker bios and additional resources, visit: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/events/the-guarantee-inside-the-fight-for-americas-next-economy/

To order “The Guarantee: Inside the Fight for America’s Next Economy,” visit: https://nataliefoster.me/the-guarantee/

For more clips and content from the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program, subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@aspeneop/

Or tune in to our podcast and listen on the go: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aspeneop/ 

And join us at an upcoming event!

• June 21 — The Workers Behind Our Groceries: A Book Talk with Benjamin Lorr


• July 24 — Tapping into Worker Voice to Improve Job Quality: Lessons from the Talent Pipeline Management Network


• Sept 4 — Seizing the Moment on Worker Rights: A Toolkit for Organizers and Practitioners