Poverty by America by Matthew Desmond

In his new book, "Poverty by America," acclaimed sociologist Matthew Desmond argues that poverty in the United States is not an accident. It is the result of a system that knowingly and unknowingly keeps poor people poor.

Desmond draws on history, research, and original reporting to show how affluent Americans exploit the poor, driving down their wages while forcing them to overpay for housing and access to cash and credit. He also shows how we prioritize the subsidization of our wealth over the alleviation of poverty, designing a welfare state that gives the most to those who need the least. And he shows how we stockpile opportunity in exclusive communities, creating zones of concentrated riches alongside those of concentrated despair.

Desmond's book is a powerful indictment of the American way of life. It is also a call to action, urging us to become "poverty abolitionists" and to work to create a more just and equitable society.

Here are some of the key points that Desmond makes in the book:

• Poverty is not a personal failing. It is a structural problem that is caused by the way our society is organized.
• The rich benefit from poverty. They get cheaper labor, lower taxes, and more resources for themselves.
• The poor are exploited. They are paid less than they are worth, and they are forced to live in substandard housing.
• The welfare state is designed to keep poor people poor. It provides them with just enough to survive, but not enough to get ahead.
• We need to change the way we think about poverty. It is not a problem that can be solved by individual charity. It is a problem that requires systemic change.

"Poverty by America" is a challenging and important book. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the causes of poverty and how we can end it.