Poverty in the US: Insights from Matthew Desmond

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Questions and Answers

Who created the high degree of poverty in the US?

Society

Nature

America (correct)

The government

What does MD argue about US poverty?

US poverty could be abolished if we cared to.

What was Matthew Desmond's childhood background?

He was a struggling preacher's son who grew up in Winslow, Arizona.

What degree did Matthew Desmond receive?

PhD in sociology at the University of Wisconsin. Signup and view all the answers

According to Desmond, what is the poverty line associated with?

Official Poverty Measure (OPM) invented in 1965 Signup and view all the answers

Poverty is described as a physical pain according to Chapter 1.

True Signup and view all the answers

What does Desmond refer to as not just one experience of poverty?

Generational poverty, working-class poverty, immigrant poverty, situational poverty. Signup and view all the answers

What did AFDC provide?

Direct cash payments to poor families Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable statistic about single-parent households and poverty?

Nearly 30% of single parents live in poverty. Signup and view all the answers

What is a theory of poverty discussed by Desmond?

The 'culture of poverty' thesis. Signup and view all the answers

Landlords in poor neighborhoods generally earn less than those in affluent areas.

False Signup and view all the answers

What has been the effect of deregulation in the banking sector according to Desmond?

Increased fees and the rise of payday lenders targeting the poor. Signup and view all the answers

The COVID-19 pandemic did not increase poverty levels in the US.

True Signup and view all the answers

How does Desmond describe opportunity hoarding?

Affluent families hoard the best educational resources for themselves and their children. Signup and view all the answers

The first step in the 'success sequence' is to _____ high school.

finish Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Indiana's private school voucher program?

To help low-income families pay tuition at private or religious schools. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Poverty in America

High levels of poverty in the U.S. are a result of systemic structures, not a natural occurrence.
Ending poverty is possible if there is genuine societal will and care.

Matthew Desmond's Background

Childhood as the son of a struggling preacher in Winslow, Arizona.
Attended Arizona State University and later earned a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin.
Dissertation focused on evictions and poverty in Milwaukee, leading to the significant book "Evicted."

Poverty Statistics

Approximately 1 in 9 Americans lives in poverty, with 1 in 8 children affected.
Despite being the richest nation, the U.S. has higher poverty rates than any other advanced democracy.

Understanding Poverty

Poverty is officially measured by the Official Poverty Measure (OPM) established in 1965.
It encompasses not just financial hardship but also trauma, instability, and the fear of worsening conditions.
Poverty results in a loss of liberty and perpetuates feelings of embarrassment and governmental mistrust.

Types of Poverty

Disaggregated into several categories: generational, working-class, immigrant, and situational poverty.

Barriers to Progress

The Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) provided direct cash payments, but the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) allows states to determine spending, often leading to ineffective outcomes.

Immigration and Poverty

In 1960, foreign-born individuals made up 1 in 20 residents; by 2023, this number rose to 1 in 8, making the U.S. home to more immigrants than any other country.

Single-Parent Households and Poverty

Significant decline in marriage rates among poor families, with nearly 30% of single parents living in poverty compared to 6% of married parents.

Theoretical Perspectives on Poverty

Critiques of the "propaganda of capitalism" which blame the poor for their circumstances, emphasizing moral failings.
Concepts like the "culture of poverty" thesis suggest that poverty is perpetuated by cultural behaviors, leading to victim-blaming.
Economic and structural factors such as globalization and deindustrialization contribute to rising poverty, removing good-paying job opportunities.

Exploitation and Economic Structures

Poverty is characterized not as an accident but as a feature of American capitalism, benefiting those who exploit the poor through labor and housing markets.

Consumer Exploitation

Poor individuals often face inflated costs for housing and services, creating a cycle of economic hardship.

Challenges in Mobility

Poor families often lack the ability to relocate to better neighborhoods due to discrimination, eviction histories, and financial barriers.

Government Role During Economic Crises

Government relief during the COVID-19 pandemic prevented an increase in poverty, showcasing the impact of stimulus measures.

Tax Benefits and Public Perceptions

Middle-class and upper-class families often overlook their benefits while resentful of aid to the poor, leading to political mobilization against social spending.

Education and Opportunity

Public services are increasingly used solely by the poor as wealthy families withdraw from public goods, leading to quality disparities.

Opportunity Hoarding

Affluent families leverage their resources to secure the best educational and economic opportunities for their children, perpetuating inequality.

The Success Sequence

Outlines three critical steps to escape poverty: finishing high school, securing full-time employment, and delaying parenthood until after marriage.
Programs like Indiana's voucher system aim to improve school access but often expand eligibility beyond just low-income families.

Implications of Educational Inequity

When affluent families leave mixed-income neighborhoods, poorer children remain in underfunded schools, which further entrenches the cycle of poverty.

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Description

This quiz explores the themes presented in Chapter 1 of Matthew Desmond's work on poverty in the United States. It covers Desmond's arguments regarding the causes of poverty, his background, educational achievements, and the physical implications of living in poverty. Dive into the critical insights that challenge common perceptions of poverty.