{"title":"Matthew Desmond","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMatthew Desmond\u003c\/strong\u003e is a renowned sociologist and author whose work profoundly impacts our understanding of poverty and housing in America. His insightful books often draw from extensive research and personal narratives, providing a compelling look at the structural challenges faced by the economically disadvantaged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn his acclaimed book, \u003cem\u003eEvicted\u003c\/em\u003e, Desmond explores the stark realities of eviction and its devastating impact on families and communities. This gripping and heart-wrenching account sheds light on a critically overlooked issue, making it essential reading for anyone interested in social justice, housing policies, and economic inequality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHis latest work, \u003cem\u003ePoverty, by America\u003c\/em\u003e, delves into the deeper causes of poverty and examines how societal and policy decisions contribute to the perpetuation of economic disparity. Desmond’s clear, engaging prose makes complex issues accessible, encouraging readers to reflect on the solutions to end poverty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDesmond’s books are essential additions to the \u003cem\u003eEducation \u0026amp; Reference\u003c\/em\u003e category, offering invaluable perspectives for students, educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in making a difference in society. Discover Matthew Desmond’s groundbreaking work today and gain a deeper understanding of the critical issues shaping our world.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"poverty-by-america","title":"Poverty, by America","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA searing study of American poverty from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of \u003cem\u003eEvicted\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe United States is the richest country on earth, yet has more poverty than any other advanced democracy. One in seven Americans live below the poverty line, a line which hasn't shifted over the last fifty years, despite the efforts of successive governments. Why is there so much scarcity in this land of dollars?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003ePoverty, by America\u003c\/em\u003e, acclaimed sociologist Matthew Desmond examines American poverty today and the stories we tell ourselves about it. Spanning social isolation, mass incarceration, the housing crisis, domestic violence, crack and opioid epidemics, welfare cuts and more, Desmond argues that poverty does not result from a lack of resources or good policy ideas. We already know how to eliminate it. The hard part is getting more of us to care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo do so, we need a new story. As things stand, liberals explain poverty through insurmountable structural issues, whereas conservatives highlight personal failings and poor life choices. Both abdicate responsibility, and ignore the reality that the advantages of the rich only come at the expense of the poor. It is time better-paid citizens put themselves back in the narrative, recognizing that the depth and expanse of poverty in any nation reflects our failure to look out for one another. Poverty must ultimately be met by community—all this suffering and want is our doing, and we can undo it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45658024345836,"sku":"9780141998794","price":22.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780141998794_353ea2d4-2238-42b2-b503-b0f26c82a59c.jpg?v=1733116413"},{"product_id":"evicted","title":"Evicted","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEvicted\u003c\/em\u003e by Matthew Desmond takes readers into the desperate and harsh realities of those living in poverty in contemporary America. This gripping narrative explores the precariousness of their everyday lives as they struggle to hold onto one of the most basic human necessities: a place to call home. The book provides an intimate look at the lives of eight families on the edge, living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, shedding light on the often invisible crisis of housing instability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eArleen, a single mother, can barely afford to pay her rent and ultimately faces eviction in the midst of one of Milwaukee’s coldest winters. Her story is one of relentless hardship, as she fights to provide for her children amid a cycle of displacement and uncertainty. Doreen's home is so decrepit that it has earned the nickname 'the rat hole' amongst her family, underscoring the dire living conditions many are forced to endure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLamar, a disabled ex-soldier wheelchair-bound yet filled with determination, seeks to climb out of debt to support his sons. His perseverance in the face of physical and financial hurdles paints a poignant picture of resilience. Scott, once a devoted nurse, now battles addiction while living in a dilapidated trailer. His fall from grace is a stark reminder of how quickly one's circumstances can change, leading to a downward spiral fueled by both personal and systemic failures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDesmond’s years spent living among and documenting these individuals lends an authenticity and urgency to their stories. From dilapidated slums to overcrowded shelters, eviction courts to impoverished neighbourhoods, the author charts the complex web of challenges faced by those struggling to maintain a roof over their heads. The narratives in \u003cem\u003eEvicted\u003c\/em\u003e are not just stories of deprivation, but also of resilience, community, and the human spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this powerful and empathetic work, Desmond illustrates how precarious housing affects every aspect of life, leading to a cascade of other issues including poor health, unstable employment, and broken families. He argues convincingly that without a stable home, achieving anything else becomes nearly impossible. \u003cem\u003eEvicted\u003c\/em\u003e serves as a compelling call to action, urging readers to reconsider societal approaches to housing and to understand that while giving up might seem like the only option, hope persists in the most unexpected places.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA blend of in-depth research and evocative storytelling, \u003cem\u003eEvicted\u003c\/em\u003e is not just a book; it is a crucial contribution to the conversation on poverty and housing policy in the twenty-first century, offering a sobering yet ultimately hopeful perspective on the fight for safe and affordable housing for all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House Distribution","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45745223598316,"sku":"9780141983318","price":26.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780141983318.jpg?v=1726672910"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/matthew-desmond.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}