Matthew Desmond on ‘Poverty, by America’

Washington Post Live・2 minutes read

The book "Poverty in America" by Matthew Desmond discusses the root causes of poverty, the impact of societal neglect on individuals turning to drugs, the inefficiencies in anti-poverty programs, and the exploitation in the labor market, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address poverty effectively, combat societal wishes and actions perpetuating poverty, and advocating for a reevaluation of priorities to invest more in the poor.

Insights

  • Matthew Desmond's book "Poverty in America" sheds light on the exploitation of the poor by the privileged and stresses the necessity of policy changes and investments to tackle poverty at its roots.
  • The text underscores the intertwined nature of poverty, racism, and societal neglect, highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues to combat poverty effectively and advocating for a reevaluation of priorities towards investing more in the poor and less in the affluent.

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Recent questions

  • How does the author propose to eliminate poverty?

    By advocating for deeper investments and policy changes.

  • What influenced the author's transition to writing "Poverty in America"?

    Witnessing the harsh realities of poverty and questioning its reasons.

  • How does the author challenge the notion of poverty improvement over the years?

    By pointing out rising costs of essential necessities despite increased access to cheap goods.

  • What does the author critique about federal anti-poverty programs?

    Inefficiency leading to funds not reaching intended families.

  • How does the author describe the relationship between the labor market and poverty?

    Illustrating exploitation, low wages, and declining worker power.

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Summary

00:00

"Poverty in America: Causes and Solutions"

  • The book aims to address why there is significant poverty in America and proposes solutions to eliminate it, highlighting how the privileged contribute to the problem by exploiting and segregating the poor.
  • It emphasizes the need for different policies to disrupt poverty at its core, calling for deeper investments and policy changes.
  • The author, Matthew Desmond, discusses his transition from his previous book, "Evicted," to "Poverty by America," driven by witnessing the harsh realities of poverty and questioning the reasons behind it.
  • Desmond's personal experiences with poverty as a child and college student shaped his interest in sociology and his dedication to understanding inequality.
  • The book delves into the relationship between drugs and poverty, highlighting how many individuals turn to drugs as a way to cope with trauma and pain caused by societal neglect.
  • Desmond challenges the notion that poverty has improved over the years by pointing out that while access to cheap goods has increased, the costs of essential necessities like housing, healthcare, and utilities have risen significantly.
  • The author acknowledges past successful anti-poverty programs like the Great Society but emphasizes the need to rekindle the ambition and urgency to address poverty effectively.
  • Desmond critiques the inefficiency of some federal anti-poverty programs, citing examples where budgeted funds do not reach the intended families due to state discretion and lack of program uptake by eligible individuals.
  • The book explores the disconnect between the labor market and living wages, illustrating how many working individuals still live in poverty due to low wages, lack of benefits, and declining worker power.
  • Desmond highlights the exploitation and stagnation in the job market, pointing out that wages for certain workers have decreased since 1979, emphasizing the need to address this exploitation to combat poverty effectively.

15:58

Persistent Poverty: Urgency for Change and Integration

  • Poverty in America is not accidental but persists due to societal wishes and actions.
  • Urgency is emphasized in addressing poverty, urging readers to be part of the solution.
  • Poverty is described as a complex issue involving death, violence, hunger, and fear.
  • Economic security is linked to the problem of poverty through consumption and investment.
  • The welfare state in America favors the affluent over the poor, exacerbating poverty.
  • Discrepancies in government aid show the rich receive more support than the poor.
  • Calls are made for a reevaluation of priorities, advocating for less aid to the rich and more investment in the poor.
  • Education plays a crucial role in addressing poverty, with integration proving beneficial.
  • Racism is deeply intertwined with poverty in America, affecting policies and attitudes.
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