Commentary: Stuck and stagnant -- Why Americans need a frontier

Kevin Frazier, The Fulcrum on Jan 28, 2025

Published in Op Eds

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The pandemic reshaped our world in countless ways, but perhaps the most insidious effect is the pervasive feeling of being stuck.

A recent survey revealed that a majority of Americans feel socially stagnant —unable to take a major step toward a better life, better job, or better community. The barriers range from the tangible to the existential: people can’t afford to buy a home, can’t find meaningful work, and struggle to connect socially or even participate in civic life.

This growing malaise demands a bold reimagining of societal structures — one that combines the wisdom of old ideas with the urgency of new ones.

Historically, moments of widespread stagnation have prompted transformative policies.

In ancient times, societies used jubilees to reset economic systems, forgiving debts and redistributing land. More recently, Americans have, time and again, found ways to escape ruts. Through the Northwest Ordinance and the Homestead Act, for example, we empowered settlers with opportunities to own land and build lives in new territories. Post-World War II, the GI Bill enabled a generation of veterans to access education, housing, and stable employment, fueling decades of prosperity.

But today’s challenges require solutions that reflect the complexities of the modern world. Economic barriers are higher than ever: housing costs have soared, job markets demand ever-increasing specialization, and the social fabric has been frayed by years of isolation and division. The solutions must be equally multifaceted, combining economic support, social revitalization, and civic engagement.

One promising idea is reviving the concept of national service. Programs like AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps have long demonstrated the power of service to bridge divides and provide purpose. Expanding such programs — making them more accessible and rewarding — could offer young people a chance to gain valuable skills, build connections, and contribute meaningfully to society. National service could act as a modern-day GI Bill, providing participants with education benefits, housing stipends, and pathways to stable careers.

Citizen assemblies offer another avenue for revitalizing civic life. These assemblies, which are made up of randomly selected participants, empower everyday citizens to deliberate on pressing issues and influence policy decisions. By incorporating diverse voices, they not only produce more equitable outcomes but also rebuild trust in democratic institutions. Imagine a future where communities regularly convene to solve local problems or advise on national priorities, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration.

Encouraging small business development is another vital component. Regulatory sandboxes, which allow entrepreneurs to test innovative ideas without being bogged down by excessive red tape, can foster a culture of experimentation and growth. These sandboxes provide a controlled environment where businesses can navigate regulatory challenges with support rather than barriers.

Coupled with increased access to capital and streamlined licensing processes, this approach could empower individuals to launch enterprises that create jobs, invigorate local economies, and build community connections.

These ideas are not just theoretical; they are pragmatic responses to real problems. Take, for example, the issue of mobility. Rising rents and stagnant wages have left millions unable to leave their hometowns and pursue opportunities elsewhere. National service programs could provide the financial cushion and social networks needed to make such moves possible. Similarly, small business development initiatives could spark localized economic activity, giving individuals a reason to stay and invest in their communities.

The social stagnation highlighted by the pandemic also extends to personal relationships. Isolation breeds loneliness, and loneliness erodes mental health. By fostering connections through service programs or citizen assemblies, we can rebuild the social capital that sustains communities. When people work together on shared goals, they form friendships, partnerships, and support networks that enrich their lives.

Finally, these ideas address the civic disengagement that threatens our democracy. Many Americans feel disconnected from government, believing their voices don’t matter. Citizen assemblies directly counter this narrative, showing people that their input can shape policy. National service, too, reinforces the idea of collective responsibility, reminding us that democracy thrives when we all contribute.

The barriers Americans face today are not insurmountable, but they require bold action. We must draw inspiration from the past while crafting solutions for the future. Just as the Homestead Act and GI Bill once transformed lives, national service, citizen assemblies, and small business development initiatives can ignite a new era of opportunity and connection.

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Frazier is an adjunct professor of Delaware Law and an affiliated scholar of emerging technology and constitutional law at St. Thomas University College of Law.

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