Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City is a non-fiction book written by Matthew Desmond. It explores the lives of eight families in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as they struggle to make ends meet while facing the threat of eviction. The book delves into the harsh realities of poverty and how it affects people’s lives, as well as the role that landlords and the housing market play in perpetuating poverty.
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: The Eviction Machine
The book begins by introducing the concept of the “eviction machine,” which refers to the systematic process by which landlords and courts work together to evict tenants who are unable to pay their rent. Desmond argues that this machine is a key driver of poverty and inequality in American cities, as it disproportionately affects low-income families and individuals.
Chapter 2: The Rent Store
In this chapter, Desmond introduces the reader to Arleen, a single mother of two who works as a caregiver for an elderly man. Despite working long hours, she struggles to make ends meet and often falls behind on her rent. She turns to a local “rent-to-own” store, where she can buy household items on credit, but soon finds herself in a cycle of debt and poverty.
Chapter 3: The Landlord
This chapter focuses on the landlord, Sherrena Tarver, who owns several properties in Milwaukee. Tarver is portrayed as a savvy businesswoman who is willing to take risks in order to make a profit. She is also portrayed as being somewhat callous towards her tenants, often evicting them for minor infractions or for falling behind on rent.
Chapter 4: The Neighborhood
In this chapter, Desmond explores the broader context of poverty and inequality in Milwaukee. He discusses how the city’s history of segregation and discrimination has led to the creation of “ghettos” and “enclaves” where poverty is concentrated. He also talks about how the housing market has changed over time, with more and more properties being bought up by absentee landlords who are focused on making a profit.
Chapter 5: The Bottom
This chapter focuses on Lamar, a young man who has just been released from prison and is trying to rebuild his life. He finds a job as a maintenance worker in one of Tarver’s properties, but soon finds himself struggling to make ends meet. He turns to drugs and eventually becomes homeless, living in abandoned buildings and sleeping on friends’ couches.
Chapter 6: The Fire
In this chapter, Desmond recounts the story of a fire that breaks out in one of Tarver’s properties. The fire is caused by a space heater that is left on all day by one of the tenants, who is trying to keep warm in the winter. The fire destroys the property and displaces several families, including Arleen and her children. The aftermath of the fire highlights the dangers of poverty and the lack of resources available to low-income families.
Chapter 7: The Court
This chapter focuses on the court system and the role that it plays in the eviction process. Desmond follows several cases involving tenants who are facing eviction and shows how the system is stacked against them. He also discusses how the court system is often used as a tool by landlords to intimidate and harass tenants.
Chapter 8: The Movement
In the final chapter, Desmond looks at the growing movement of activists and organizations that are working to address poverty and inequality in American cities. He discusses the successes and challenges of these movements, as well as the role that individuals can play in making a difference.
Conclusion
Evicted is a powerful and eye-opening book that sheds light on the harsh realities of poverty and inequality in American cities. Through his portrayal of eight families in Milwaukee, Desmond shows how the housing market and the court system can perpetuate poverty and make it difficult for low-income individuals and families to escape it. The book also highlights the importance of community organizations and activism in addressing these issues. Overall, Evicted is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the root causes of poverty and inequality in America.
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