The metaphor of the “safety valve” is a critical concept for Grandin and his book. We explore the various ways in which this metaphor was deployed in the early 19th century before delving into capitalism’s unending “urban crisis.” For those following along at home, we will be covering material from chapter 4 in End of the Myth.

Visit the Ending the Myth page for updates, sources, and suggested readings

Up Next: Chapter 5 “Are You Ready for All These Wars?”

Show music by Bjorn/Fleksor

Show art by Carl