📖 Overview
Matthew Desmond is a prominent American sociologist and professor at Princeton University, best known for his research and writing on poverty, housing insecurity, and evictions in the United States. His 2016 book "Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City" won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction and brought national attention to the housing crisis affecting low-income Americans.
As the principal investigator of the Eviction Lab at Princeton University, Desmond has created the first nationwide database of evictions, providing crucial data for researchers, policymakers, and advocates. His academic work combines ethnographic research with statistical analysis to examine the intersection of poverty, inequality, and housing.
In addition to his acclaimed book "Evicted," Desmond has published several other influential works including "On the Fireline: Living and Dying with Wildland Firefighters" and "Poverty, by America" (2023). His research has earned him numerous accolades, including a MacArthur "Genius" Fellowship in 2015 and election to the American Philosophical Society in 2022.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Desmond's detailed research and immersive reporting style, particularly in "Evicted." Many note his ability to present complex social issues through compelling personal stories. On Goodreads, readers frequently mention the emotional impact of his writing and appreciate his extensive footnotes and methodological transparency.
Readers highlight how Desmond lives alongside his subjects and presents their experiences without judgment. One Amazon reviewer wrote: "He lets the facts and stories speak for themselves without preaching."
Common criticisms include dense academic language in some sections and a desire for more concrete policy solutions. Some readers find the number of characters and storylines difficult to follow.
Ratings across platforms:
- Evicted: 4.48/5 on Goodreads (89K ratings), 4.7/5 on Amazon (5.2K ratings)
- Poverty, by America: 4.41/5 on Goodreads (12K ratings), 4.6/5 on Amazon (1.2K ratings)
Most negative reviews center on the academic tone rather than the content or research quality.
📚 Books by Matthew Desmond
On the Fireline: Living and Dying with Wildland Firefighters (2007)
An ethnographic study following the lives of wildland firefighters in Arizona, examining their culture, work practices, and relationship with danger.
Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City (2016) A detailed account following eight Milwaukee families and their landlords, documenting the impact of eviction on poor Americans.
Race in America (2017) A sociological examination of racial inequality in the United States, exploring various aspects of systemic racism and its effects on American society.
Poverty, by America (2023) An analysis of why poverty persists in affluent America, examining how various social and economic policies contribute to inequality.
Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City (2016) A detailed account following eight Milwaukee families and their landlords, documenting the impact of eviction on poor Americans.
Race in America (2017) A sociological examination of racial inequality in the United States, exploring various aspects of systemic racism and its effects on American society.
Poverty, by America (2023) An analysis of why poverty persists in affluent America, examining how various social and economic policies contribute to inequality.
👥 Similar authors
Alex Kotlowitz Documents urban poverty and social issues through narrative nonfiction, particularly in works like "There Are No Children Here" about Chicago public housing. His methodical reporting style and focus on systemic inequality parallels Desmond's approach.
Katherine Boo Reports on poverty and economic mobility through immersive journalism, exemplified in "Behind the Beautiful Forevers" about Mumbai slum residents. Her work combines deep ethnographic research with structural analysis of poverty systems.
William Julius Wilson Examines urban poverty, race, and social policy through academic research and accessible writing in works like "The Truly Disadvantaged." His research on concentrated poverty and joblessness in urban areas provides theoretical foundations similar to Desmond's work.
Barbara Ehrenreich Investigated poverty through firsthand experience in "Nickel and Dimed," documenting low-wage work in America. Her participant-observer method and focus on economic inequality align with Desmond's research approach.
David K. Shipler Chronicles working poverty in America through detailed reporting in "The Working Poor: Invisible in America." His examination of systemic barriers and detailed portraits of individuals facing poverty connects directly to Desmond's research themes.
Katherine Boo Reports on poverty and economic mobility through immersive journalism, exemplified in "Behind the Beautiful Forevers" about Mumbai slum residents. Her work combines deep ethnographic research with structural analysis of poverty systems.
William Julius Wilson Examines urban poverty, race, and social policy through academic research and accessible writing in works like "The Truly Disadvantaged." His research on concentrated poverty and joblessness in urban areas provides theoretical foundations similar to Desmond's work.
Barbara Ehrenreich Investigated poverty through firsthand experience in "Nickel and Dimed," documenting low-wage work in America. Her participant-observer method and focus on economic inequality align with Desmond's research approach.
David K. Shipler Chronicles working poverty in America through detailed reporting in "The Working Poor: Invisible in America." His examination of systemic barriers and detailed portraits of individuals facing poverty connects directly to Desmond's research themes.