TL;DR
Evicted delves into the lives of eight families in Milwaukee struggling with poverty and housing instability. Desmond follows their journeys through evictions, exploring the devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. The book sheds light on the exploitative system of inner-city housing, where landlords profit from vulnerable tenants, perpetuating a cycle of poverty.
Table of contents
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Author & Writing Background
Matthew Desmond is a sociologist, MacArthur Genius, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author. He is a Professor of Sociology at Princeton University and the Principal Investigator of The Eviction Lab. Desmond’s work focuses on poverty, inequality, and urban sociology. His immersive research methods and compelling writing style have earned him critical acclaim and established him as a leading voice on the issue of housing insecurity.
Key Takeaways
The Eviction Crisis
The book highlights the alarming prevalence of evictions in America, particularly in low-income communities. Desmond argues that eviction is not just a consequence of poverty but a cause, trapping families in a cycle of instability and hardship.
Exploitation in the Rental Market
Evicted exposes the exploitative practices of some landlords who take advantage of tenants’ desperation and lack of options. The book details the power imbalance between landlords and tenants, often leading to unfair treatment and unsafe living conditions.
The Impact on Families and Communities
Desmond vividly portrays the devastating consequences of eviction, including homelessness, job loss, family separation, and mental health issues. The book underscores the ripple effects on communities, perpetuating poverty and social problems.
Race and Inequality
Evicted explores the intersection of race and poverty, demonstrating how eviction disproportionately affects African American communities due to systemic racism and discrimination.
The Role of Public Policy
The book examines the role of government policies in shaping the housing crisis, including the lack of affordable housing options and inadequate tenant protections.
The Importance of Housing Security
Desmond argues that stable housing is essential for individual well-being, family stability, and community development. He emphasizes the need for comprehensive solutions to address the eviction crisis.
Humanizing Poverty
Through intimate portraits of families facing eviction, Desmond humanizes the issue of poverty, challenging stereotypes and fostering empathy for those struggling with housing insecurity.
A Call to Action
Evicted serves as a call to action, urging readers to advocate for policies and solutions that promote housing justice and address the root causes of poverty.
FAQ about Evicted
What inspired Matthew Desmond to write Evicted?
Desmond’s own experiences working with low-income families in Milwaukee and witnessing the devastating impact of eviction firsthand inspired him to research and write the book.
What are some of the solutions proposed in the book to address the eviction crisis?
Desmond advocates for various solutions, including expanding access to affordable housing, strengthening tenant protections, providing legal assistance to tenants facing eviction, and reforming the rental market to prevent exploitation.
Has Evicted had any impact on public policy?
Yes, the book has raised awareness about the eviction crisis and influenced policy discussions at local, state, and national levels. It has inspired initiatives to provide legal aid to tenants, prevent discriminatory housing practices, and increase funding for affordable housing programs.
Evicted Quotes
- ”Eviction is a cause, not just a condition, of poverty."
- "The rent eats first."
- "If incarceration had come to define the lives of men from impoverished black neighborhoods, eviction was shaping the lives of women. Poor black men were locked up. Poor black women were locked out.”