“Poverty, By America” with Matthew Desmond

Library of Congress・2 minutes read

Poverty in America is a result of deliberate actions, not a natural occurrence, as discussed by Matthew Desmond in his book "Poverty by America." Desmond emphasizes the ineffective anti-poverty measures and the need for innovative solutions to address the root causes of poverty.

Insights

  • Poverty in America is not a natural occurrence but rather a consequence of deliberate actions by individuals and systems, as highlighted by Matthew Desmond. This perspective challenges the notion that poverty is an inherent state, emphasizing the potential for change through addressing root causes and systemic issues.
  • The allocation and utilization of welfare funds, particularly under TANF, reveal significant discrepancies and inefficiencies across states, with only a fraction of the allocated funds reaching families in need. This inefficiency leads to detrimental outcomes such as hunger, eviction, and inadequate healthcare for children, underscoring the urgent need for more transparent and effective anti-poverty measures at both federal and state levels.

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Recent questions

  • What is the main focus of Matthew Desmond's book?

    Poverty in America is a result of deliberate actions.

  • How does Matthew Desmond's personal background influence his work?

    Desmond's upbringing in poverty shapes his research focus.

  • What are some challenges faced by families in poverty?

    Families in poverty struggle with hunger and inadequate healthcare.

  • How does the government's welfare system impact poverty rates?

    Welfare funds are underutilized, contributing to stable poverty rates.

  • What are some proposed solutions to address poverty in America?

    Advocates call for fair tax implementation and divesting from poverty.

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Summary

00:00

"Poverty by America" explores root causes

  • Matthew Desmond, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, discusses his new book "Poverty by America" at an event with Fred Wherry, a sociology professor at Princeton University.
  • Desmond highlights that poverty in America is not natural but a result of deliberate actions by many individuals and systems.
  • The book explores how some people are pushed down to lift others up, emphasizing that change is possible.
  • The event is sponsored by the James Madison Council and organized by Clay Smith from the Library of Congress.
  • Desmond explains his shift from studying poverty in America to studying poverty caused by America, driven by personal experiences and a desire to understand the root causes of poverty.
  • Growing up in poverty influenced Desmond's decision to study poverty, as he witnessed firsthand the impact of economic scarcity on his family.
  • Desmond shares the story of Julio Paez, a young man in California working two minimum-wage jobs to support his family, highlighting the struggles faced by many in poverty.
  • Despite increased government spending on poverty reduction programs, poverty rates have remained stable over the past 50 years, indicating a need for more effective solutions.
  • Desmond discusses the issue of welfare avoidance, where many eligible families do not access available aid, leading to billions of dollars in unused assistance.
  • The conversation with Desmond raises questions about the effectiveness of current anti-poverty measures and the need for innovative solutions to address poverty at its root.

13:27

State Discretion in Welfare Funds: A Concern

  • States have discretion in spending anti-poverty funds, leading to creative use of funds.
  • Welfare, now Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), was reformed by Clinton to be work-connected and limited.
  • TANF funds are given as block grants to states, resulting in only $0.22 reaching families for every dollar allocated.
  • Some states use TANF funds for Christian summer camps, abstinence education, or marriage initiatives, while others don't spend it.
  • States like Tennessee and Hawaii have significant amounts of unused welfare funds.
  • The lack of proper allocation of funds leads to children facing hunger, eviction, and inadequate healthcare.
  • The federal government cannot oversee how states use TANF funds, contributing to ineffective programs.
  • The American form of capitalism is criticized for its inequality and lack of investment in the public good.
  • Poor families pay billions in fees to financial institutions, with banks profiting from overdraft fees.
  • Poverty abolitionism aims to end poverty by divesting from it, supporting fair tax implementation, and opposing exploitation.

27:51

"Urging Action for Poverty Alleviation and Equity"

  • The speaker donated money from the mortgage interest deduction to a legal defense eviction fund and urged Congress to remove the benefit.
  • Advocates for changing common sense through actions like environmentalism.
  • Calls for ending segregation, particularly by affluent white individuals attending local zoning board meetings to support affordable housing.
  • Encourages joining anti-poverty movements, recommending the website EndPovertyUsa.org for finding relevant organizations.
  • Emphasizes the need for transparency and oversight in local human services organizations regarding funds allocated for poverty alleviation.
  • Acknowledges the importance of education in addressing poverty but highlights that it is not the sole solution.
  • Discusses the challenging political dynamics hindering poverty-alleviating measures and the necessity of social movements to pressure the government.
  • Highlights the significant tax avoidance and evasion in the US, estimating a potential $175 billion increase in revenue if the top 1% paid their owed taxes.
  • Points out the substantial military spending and tax breaks benefiting the wealthy, emphasizing the need to rebalance government priorities.
  • Stresses the disparity in government assistance between the bottom 20% and top 20% income distribution, advocating for a more equitable distribution of resources.

42:05

"Expanding Investments and Activism to Combat Exploitation"

  • Matthew Desmond emphasizes the importance of not only increasing investments but also diversifying them to address exploitation, citing the example of federal spending on housing versus rising rents.
  • He advocates for expanding housing choices for families and highlights the significance of consumer activism, suggesting individuals inquire about bank practices like overdraft fees to drive change.
  • Desmond underscores the need for a robust anti-poverty movement in the U.S., pointing out the missed opportunity in the past to reduce evictions and child poverty, stressing the pivotal role of youth involvement in shaping the future movement.
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