Matthew Desmond
Full Name and Common Aliases
Matthew Desmond is a prominent American sociologist and author, widely recognized for his groundbreaking work on poverty and housing insecurity in the United States. He is often referred to simply as "Desmond" in academic and literary circles.
Birth and Death Dates
Matthew Desmond was born on May 29, 1979. As of the latest available information, he is alive and continues to contribute to his field.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Matthew Desmond is an American sociologist, author, and professor. He is best known for his work as a social scientist and writer, focusing on issues of poverty, housing, and public policy.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Desmond was born and raised in Winslow, Arizona. Growing up in a modest household, Desmond was exposed to the challenges faced by low-income families from an early age. This upbringing instilled in him a deep empathy for the underprivileged and a keen interest in social justice. Desmond pursued higher education with a focus on sociology, earning his Bachelor of Arts from Arizona State University. He later obtained his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he began to hone his research on housing and poverty.
Major Accomplishments
Desmond's career is marked by significant contributions to the understanding of poverty and housing insecurity. One of his most notable achievements is the publication of his Pulitzer Prize-winning book, "Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City". This seminal work, based on extensive field research in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, sheds light on the eviction crisis and its devastating impact on American families. Desmond's meticulous research and compelling narrative have earned him numerous accolades, including the National Book Critics Circle Award and the PEN/John Kenneth Galbraith Award for Nonfiction.
In addition to his literary accomplishments, Desmond is a professor of sociology at Princeton University, where he continues to influence the next generation of social scientists. He is also the principal investigator of The Eviction Lab, a research initiative that collects and analyzes data on evictions across the United States.
Notable Works or Actions
Matthew Desmond's most notable work, "Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City", has been instrumental in bringing the issue of housing insecurity to the forefront of public discourse. The book provides a vivid portrayal of the lives of eight families struggling to keep a roof over their heads, highlighting the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and inequality. Desmond's research has been praised for its depth and humanity, offering a powerful call to action for policymakers and citizens alike.
Beyond his writing, Desmond's work with The Eviction Lab has been pivotal in providing empirical data on the eviction crisis. By making this data publicly accessible, Desmond has empowered activists, researchers, and policymakers to better understand and address the root causes of housing instability.
Impact and Legacy
Matthew Desmond's impact on the field of sociology and public policy is profound. His work has not only illuminated the harsh realities of poverty and eviction but has also sparked meaningful conversations about the need for systemic change. Desmond's research has influenced housing policy at local, state, and national levels, prompting lawmakers to consider more equitable solutions to the housing crisis.
Desmond's legacy is one of compassion and advocacy. Through his writing and research, he has given a voice to those who are often marginalized and overlooked. His commitment to social justice continues to inspire others to engage with and address the pressing issues of poverty and inequality.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Matthew Desmond is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to translate complex social issues into compelling narratives that resonate with a broad audience. His work challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about poverty and housing, urging them to consider the human cost of systemic inequality. Desmond's insights are frequently cited by academics, policymakers, and activists who seek to understand and address the root causes of social injustice.
Desmond's eloquence and empathy make his quotes particularly impactful, as they encapsulate the urgency and moral imperative of addressing poverty and housing insecurity. His contributions to the field of sociology and his advocacy for the underprivileged ensure that his work will continue to be a touchstone for those committed to creating a more just and equitable society.
Quotes by Matthew Desmond
Matthew Desmond's insights on:
Payday loans are but one of many financial techniques - from overdraft fees to student loans subsidizing for-profit colleges - specifically designed to pull money from the pockets of the poor. This problem generally goes unrecognized by policy makers.
Between 2007 and 2010, the average white family experienced an 11% reduction in wealth, but the average black family lost 31% of its wealth. The average Hispanic family lost 44.7%.
Public-sector union organisers have told me about how firefighters, police officers, and nurses can no longer afford to live in the cities they serve and protect.
Since the publication of 'Evicted', I have had countless conversations with concerned families across America. Teachers in under-served communities have told me about high classroom turnover rates, which hinder students' ability to reach their full potential.
Substandard housing was a blow to your psychological health, not only because things like dampness, mold, and overcrowding could bring about depression but also because of what living in awful conditions told you about yourself.
Families, when they get a housing voucher, they move a lot less. They move into better neighborhoods. Their kids go to the same school more consistently. Their kids have more food, and they get stronger. There are massive returns.
In college, when I was kind of confronted with facts and figures about inequality in America, a big impulse I had was to go hang out with homeless people around my university and hear them out and understand their situation from their perspective.