Poverty, by America

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The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Evicted reimagines the debate on poverty, presenting a compelling argument about its persistence in America: it benefits the rest of us. Despite being the richest country, the U.S. has more poverty than any other advanced democracy, allowing one in eight children to lack basic necessities and many citizens to live on the streets. Acclaimed sociologist Matthew Desmond utilizes history, research, and original reporting to reveal how affluent Americans, knowingly or unknowingly, perpetuate poverty. Financially secure individuals exploit the poor by driving down wages and forcing them to overpay for housing and credit. The welfare system prioritizes the wealthy, providing the most assistance to those who need it least, while opportunity is hoarded in exclusive communities, creating stark contrasts between wealth and despair. This elegantly written and fiercely argued work offers new perspectives on a morally urgent issue and suggests solutions. Desmond makes a bold case for ending poverty, urging us to become poverty abolitionists and engage in a politics of collective belonging to foster shared prosperity and true freedom.