Poverty, by America

Poverty, by America is a 2023 book by the sociologist and professor Matthew Desmond. The title indicates a shift in focus from the standard scholarly discussion of poverty in the United States. Whereas most books and articles focus on describing poverty in order to raise awareness of the plight of the poor, which might collectively be called “poverty in America,” Desmond’s use of the word “by” points to the social and political institutions that create and sustain a degree of poverty that has no comparison in the Global North. Desmond wants Americans to not only notice the poor and feel for their plight but also see how they themselves contribute to the problem of poverty by virtue of the products they buy, the neighborhoods they live in, the government programs they benefit from, and, most importantly, the actions within their power that they do not take.

This guide refers to the first hardcover edition (2023) by Crown Publishing.

Content Warning: This summary contains descriptions of trauma and violence, including sexual assault and drug abuse.

Summary

While Desmond’s intent is not to describe poverty, he has to begin with a description that paves the way for a broader social critique.