{
  "id": 15915001,
  "title": "Is it better to be urban and mobile or rooted in one place? The answer may be shifting",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/is-it-better-to-be-urban-and-mobile-or-rooted-in-one-place-the-answer",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-21T16:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Fast Company",
    "slug": "fast-company",
    "url": "https://www.fastcompany.com/91625987/is-it-better-be-urban-mobile-rooted-one-place-answer-may-shifting"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2017, journalist David Goodhart presented a compelling analysis of Western politics, dividing societies into two distinct groups: the \"Anywheres\" and the \"Somewheres.\" The Anywheres were university-educated, urban, and mobile individuals whose identities were tied to degrees and successful careers. In contrast, the Somewheres were more numerous, less educated, and rooted in one place, believing in national identity and family values. Goodhart argued that being an Anywhere aligned one with the winning side of globalization, often progressive, open to change, and comfortable with diversity. Consequently, the Somewheres felt left behind, leading to events such as Brexit and Donald Trump's first election.\n\nHowever, ten years later, Goodhart's framework appears somewhat outdated. The author, who previously identified as an Anywhere, now sees a significant shift in the balance of advantages. The loudest Anywheres, including Silicon Valley founders, AI enthusiasts, and crypto believers, have shifted to the right, rejecting progressivism, DEI programs, and workers' rights. They resent taxes, dismiss climate concerns, and view governments as obstacles. Prominent figures like Marc Andreessen and Peter Thiel have openly supported nationalist movements and even considered fleeing to escape the problems of their own creation.\n\nThe author also highlights how the ordinary Anywhere lifestyle has lost some of its appeal. Digital platforms initially promised connection and opportunity, but they have since evolved into social media and entertainment feeds optimized for clicks and revenue. This enshittification has made it harder to maintain a mobile lifestyle, as housing costs have risen faster than incomes in large global cities. Additionally, the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, inflation, and conflict with Iran have driven up the cost of living for anyone relying on mobility.\n\nOn the other hand, the Somewheres are not as one-dimensional as previously thought. Rural areas contain diverse socio-economic classes, with farming, blue-collar work, and corporate jobs all coexisting in the same villages. The primary difference between cities and countryside is density and access to services, rather than a deep divide in class or values.\n\nIn conclusion, the roles and perceptions of urban and mobile societies versus rooted communities have evolved, with implications for work organization and future planning.",
  "summary": "In 2017, British journalist David Goodhart offered an enlightening read of Western politics. In The Road to Somewhere , he split our societies into two broad groups. The “Anywheres,” about a quarter of the population, were university-educated, urban and mobile. Their identity relied on degrees and successful careers. The “Somewheres,” more numerous, were less educated. They had strong roots in…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}