Poverty, by America

Poverty, by America is a sociological analysis of poverty and its causes in the United States. Desmond's central thesis is that wealthy Americans, even those who would otherwise consider themselves progressive, tacitly benefit from government policies that keep people in poverty. Desmond also presents systemic solutions to the issue of poverty in the United States, arguing that tax reform and increasing investment in public services would reduce poverty.[1]

Poverty, by America received critical acclaim upon release.[3] Kirkus Reviews wrote positively about Desmond's policy proposals, describing the book as a "clearly delineated guide to finally eradicate poverty in America."[2] Booklist and BookPage similarly praised the book, singling out Desmond's solutions as a highlight.[4][5] While positive overall, Eyal Press negatively compared Poverty, by America to Desmond's earlier book Evicted, criticizing Poverty, by America for being drier and containing little original research.[6]

The Washington Post's Timothy Noah wrote positively about the book, describing it as "a darker view" than other books about poverty.[7] Paul Gleason wrote a positive review in the Los Angeles Review of Books, noting that Desmond criticized politicians on all sides of the political spectrum, writing that "he reserves a lot of blame for his peers, the kind of people who are likely to buy his book."[8] Historian Samuel Moyn wrote positively about the book in The Guardian, praising Desmond for his scope, but criticized his proposed solutions for lacking a concrete plan to implement them.[9]

• Lowrey, Annie (May 14, 2023). "The War on Poverty Is Over. Rich People Won". The Atlantic.

• Poverty, by America at BookMarks