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Evicted

Matthew Desmond

450 Pages
2017

Evicted

Poverty and Profit in the American City

Crown

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โšก Free 3min Summary

Evicted - Summary

"Evicted" by Matthew Desmond is a powerful exploration of poverty and economic exploitation in the American city. The book follows eight families in Milwaukee as they struggle to keep a roof over their heads. Desmond's meticulous research and compelling storytelling bring to light the harsh realities of eviction and its devastating impact on individuals and communities. Through vivid and heart-wrenching narratives, "Evicted" reveals the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and offers fresh ideas for addressing one of the most pressing social issues of our time.

Key Ideas

1

The Cycle of Poverty and Eviction

"Evicted" highlights how eviction is both a cause and a consequence of poverty. Families who are evicted often face a downward spiral, losing their jobs, their children's education being disrupted, and their health deteriorating. This cycle makes it incredibly difficult for them to escape poverty, creating a vicious loop that traps them in a state of constant instability.

2

Economic Exploitation

The book sheds light on the ways in which landlords and the housing market exploit vulnerable tenants. Desmond illustrates how landlords can profit from the poor by charging high rents for substandard housing, knowing that their tenants have few other options. This exploitation exacerbates the financial strain on already struggling families, making it nearly impossible for them to save money or improve their living conditions.

3

The Importance of Stable Housing

Desmond argues that stable housing is a fundamental human need and a cornerstone for achieving other forms of stability, such as employment, education, and health. Without a stable home, individuals and families cannot build a secure and prosperous life. "Evicted" emphasizes the need for policy changes and social support systems that ensure everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.

FAQ's

"Evicted" primarily focuses on the struggles of eight families in Milwaukee as they face eviction and its consequences. The book explores the systemic issues that contribute to poverty and economic exploitation in urban America.

"Evicted" highlights how landlords and the housing market exploit vulnerable tenants by charging high rents for substandard housing. This exploitation exacerbates the financial strain on struggling families, making it difficult for them to save money or improve their living conditions.

Desmond argues that stable housing is essential for achieving other forms of stability, such as employment, education, and health. Without a stable home, individuals and families cannot build a secure and prosperous life. "Evicted" calls for policy changes and social support systems to ensure access to safe and affordable housing for everyone.

๐Ÿ’ก Full 15min Summary

"Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City" illuminates the devastating emotional and societal impacts of eviction.
0:00 / 1:00

"Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City" by Matthew Desmond delves into the harsh reality of eviction and its profound effects on individuals and communities.

Eviction, characterized by poverty and the loss of familiar surroundings, can be emotionally devastating. Imagine losing your home, your safe haven, and the life you've built around it. It's a traumatic experience that can be difficult, if not impossible, to recover from. The aftermath of eviction is rarely positive, leading to a series of unfortunate events that can drastically alter a person's life. This is the harsh reality that many people face, and it's what this book aims to shed light on. A home is something we all strive to have and protect, sometimes even risking our lives for it. So, when people lose their homes, it leaves a significant impact. While some manage to bounce back, find employment, and start anew, others aren't as fortunate and remain homeless.

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