Stay Tuned with Preet America’s Poverty Problem (with Matthew Desmond)
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Oct 12, 2023 Matthew Desmond, a professor of sociology at Princeton University, joins Preet to discuss his new book about poverty in America. They explore the entrenchment of poverty despite being one of the wealthiest nations, and the challenges of passing anti-poverty measures through Congress. The conversation also touches on the idea of appointing a national “poverty czar.” They also discuss the concept of a speedy trial, the impact of the mortgage interest tax deduction, and potential solutions for addressing poverty.
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Poverty Is More Than Income
- Poverty in America is not just about income but an accumulation of hardships and humiliations.
- Millions face chronic issues like eviction, hunger, and early death despite living in a wealthy nation.
The High Cost of Poverty
- It's extremely expensive to be poor in America, paying disproportionately high fees and rent.
- Poor people subsidize costs like overdraft fees, which are largely paid by a small fraction of bank clients.
Poverty Involves Perpetrators
- Poverty results from choices and actions of more fortunate Americans, including exploitation and preserving privilege.
- Ending poverty requires acknowledging that some lives are made small for others to prosper.