Pulitzer Prize-winning sociologist Matthew Desmond examines why poverty persists in one of the world’s wealthiest nations. Drawing on extensive research, Poverty, by America argues that the United States maintains poverty through policies and choices that benefit the affluent at the expense of the poor. Desmond reveals how housing, wages, taxation, and welfare systems are structured to keep millions in hardship while others profit. The book is a passionate call for systemic reform, challenging readers to rethink their complicity in economic inequality and to imagine a society rooted in justice, dignity, and shared prosperity for all.
About Matthew Desmond
Matthew Desmond is a sociologist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author renowned for his work on poverty, housing, and inequality in America. A professor at Princeton University, he gained national attention with Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, which revealed the devastating impact of eviction on low-income families. His follow-up, Poverty, by America, challenges the systemic causes of poverty and examines how wealthier Americans unknowingly perpetuate it. Desmond combines academic rigor with immersive storytelling, making complex social issues accessible to general audiences. His work advocates for structural reform and justice for those living on the margins of society.
Other Books by Matthew Desmond
Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City
In 'Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City,' Matthew Desmond offers a poignant and eye-opening exploration of the devastating impacts of eviction on the lives of the urban poor in America. Through intimate narratives of individuals struggling to keep a roof over their heads, Desmond shines a light on the systemic issues of poverty, housing insecurity, and institutional neglect. This meticulously researched book delves into the complex web of relationships between landlords and tenants, revealing the harsh realities faced by those living on the margins. Desmond's writing is powerful, compassionate, and thought-provoking, challenging readers to confront the inherent injustices of our housing system.
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