Evicted Book Summary
Poverty and Profit in the American City
TL;DR
Evicted by Matthew Desmond is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation into the lives of eight families in Milwaukee as they struggle with eviction and poverty, highlighting the deep-seated issues of economic exploitation in America.
What is Evicted about
Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, authored by Princeton sociologist Matthew Desmond, is an acclaimed examination of poverty and housing instability in America. Set in Milwaukee, the book follows eight diverse families as they navigate the harrowing experience of eviction. Desmond's rigorous ethnographic research sheds light on the systemic economic exploitation that perpetuates poverty. By presenting vivid and unsettling narratives, Evicted not only transforms our understanding of these issues but also proposes new ideas for addressing one of the most devastating problems in 21st-century America.
Evicted 6 Key Takeaways
The Prevalence of Eviction
Eviction is a widespread issue impacting poor communities, not just a rare occurrence. Desmond reveals how frequent and normalized evictions have become, contributing to a cycle of poverty.
Economic Exploitation
Landlords often exploit tenants, charging exorbitant rents for substandard housing. This practice traps families in a financial stranglehold, exacerbating their poverty.
Systemic Inequality
The book highlights how systemic inequalities in housing policies and practices disproportionately affect marginalized groups, particularly African Americans and single mothers.
Psychological and Social Impacts
Evictions have severe psychological and social consequences, causing trauma, instability, and a breakdown of community ties, further deepening poverty.
Policy Failures
Desmond criticizes existing housing policies and social safety nets, arguing that they are insufficient to protect the most vulnerable populations from eviction and homelessness.
Proposed Solutions
The book closes with advocacy for comprehensive policy changes, such as expanded housing vouchers and legal representation for tenants, to combat the eviction crisis.
Top Evicted Quotes
- Eviction is a cause, not just a condition, of poverty.
- The home is the center of life. It is a refuge from the grind of work, the pressure of school, and the menace of the streets.
- We have affirmed that housing is a basic human right, yet we continue to deem it a privilege.
Who should read Evicted?
Evicted is essential reading for policymakers, social justice advocates, sociologists, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of poverty and housing instability in America. Readers will gain profound insights into the systemic issues perpetuating poverty and the urgent need for policy reform.
Evicted Best Reviews
- Barbara Ehrenreich of The New York Times Book Review praises Evicted as a modern classic that has set a new standard for reporting on poverty.
- Jesmyn Ward, author of Salvage the Bones, describes the book as gripping and moving, yet tragic, highlighting its emotional impact and depth.
- The San Francisco Chronicle commends Evicted for being a rare work with genuinely new insights on poverty, making it essential reading for social justice advocates.
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Evicted FAQs
What is the purpose of the book Evicted by Matthew Desmond?
Evicted aims to transform our understanding of poverty and economic exploitation while providing fresh ideas for solving one of America's most devastating problems: housing instability.
What is the summary of Evicted?
Set in Milwaukee, Evicted follows eight diverse families as they struggle with eviction and poverty, revealing how rent consumes the majority of their meager income and perpetuates a cycle of economic exploitation.
Is Evicted a good book?
Yes, Evicted is well-written and researched, presenting a perfect balance between factual reporting and a compelling narrative. It is a brilliant ethnography that offers new insights into poverty in America.