A Critical Reflection on Evicted by Matthew Desmond
Matthew Desmond's book, evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, offers a graphic depiction of the prevalent problem of evictions in the United States. It highlights the adverse consequences that evictions have on families and communities with minimal economic means. The book elucidates the complex correlation between the eviction problem and government policies, highlighting how various federal, state, and municipal policy decisions have protracted the situation.
Desmond's work meticulously documents the pervasiveness of evictions in
low-income communities, particularly in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he conducted his ethnographic research Desmond (2016). He gives a clear picture of the lives of landlords and renters, illuminating the structural injustices and power relationships that lead to evictions. The book refutes the idea that evictions are only the result of personal decisions or market factors, showing how government actions have been a major contributor to the eviction crisis's creation and aggravation.
Government Policies at the Federal Level: Undermining Protections and Diminishing Affordability
Desmond emphasizes that the weakening of tenant safeguards and the decrease in
affordable housing choices are significant factors that contribute to the eviction crisis at the national level. Tenant susceptibility to evictions rooted on discriminatory practices has increased due to the erosion of the Fair Housing Act, a significant piece of law designed to prevent housing discrimination. Furthermore, reductions in federal support for initiatives such as Section 8, which offers rental aid to economically disadvantaged households, have decreased the accessibility of reasonably priced housing. Consequently, tenants are facing growing challenges in meeting their financial obligations and avoiding eviction.
Government Policies at the State and Local Levels: Exacerbating Financial Burdens and Perpetuating Stigma
State and local policies have further exacerbated the eviction crisis by imposing additional financial burdens on tenants and creating barriers to stable housing. Desmond examines the widespread occurrence of "eviction filing fees" in numerous states, whereby renters are obligated to remit payments when their landlords initiate eviction proceedings against them. The imposition of these fines, typically varying between $100 and $200, exacerbates the financial burden on renters who are already grappling with financial difficulties, hence heightening the
probability of eviction.
Moreover, Desmond emphasizes the problem of "eviction records," which are kept by landlords and third-party screening firms, and how they significantly impact the lives of tenants who have gone through eviction. These records, frequently comprising erroneous or deficient data, can trail tenants for extended periods, rendering it exceedingly challenging for them to get stable housing and prolonging the cycle of eviction.
Consequences
The consequences of eviction records extend far beyond the inability to find housing. Individuals with eviction histories frequently encounter the situation of being confined to low-quality housing, having to pay excessively high rents, and residing in hazardous regions. They may encounter difficulties in obtaining loans, securing employment, and accessing social assistance. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty and instability, rendering it very arduous for tenants to escape the looming risk of eviction.
The widespread existence of eviction records is exacerbated by the absence of openness and supervision regarding their formation and upkeep. Landlords and screening businesses frequently lack established protocols for confirming eviction information, resulting in prevalent mistakes and discrepancies. Furthermore, renters have restricted availability to their eviction records and frequently encounter barriers when attempting to dispute inaccurate information.
Impact
Desmond's book Evicted reveals the broad impact eviction records have on renters as well as how common they are. Desmond conducted ethnographic research in Milwaukee, Wisconsin's low-income neighborhoods, and the results had an impact on almost half of the tenants whose lives had been impacted by an eviction. As per his assertion, these records are used to stigmatize individuals, leading to the blacklisting of tenants, so making it exceedingly challenging for them to get affordable and appropriate housing.
Moving Forward: Addressing Root Causes and Implementing Comprehensive Reforms
According to Desmond's Evicted, evictions should be addressed with a
comprehensive plan that goes beyond piecemeal fixes and tackles the underlying causes of inequality and poverty. In order to protect renters, he is in favor of stricter laws being put in place, more funding for affordable housing, and the creation of a national eviction registry that would track eviction patterns and identify any suspicious activity.
A compelling account of the eviction problem and its significant effects on disadvantaged communities can be found in Matthew Desmond's book evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. The book thoroughly examines how government policies and landlord practices worsen the situation. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of tackling the fundamental causes of poverty to successfully break the cycle of eviction and bring about enduring transformation.
The eviction crisis is intricately linked to the wider issue of poverty, and attempting to tackle one without the other is comparable to addressing symptoms without addressing the underlying cause. The absence of adequate access to high-quality education, work prospects, and healthcare confines individuals and families inside a recurring pattern of poverty, rendering them more susceptible to eviction and prolonging their socioeconomic disadvantages.
Education
Education is a fundamental factor in social advancement, equipping individuals with the expertise and understanding needed to obtain lucrative employment and escape the cycle of poverty. Nevertheless, disparities in education endure, as impoverished areas frequently encounter inadequately financed schools, restricted availability of early childhood education, and a dearth of resources for higher education.
The assessment of
economic stability and housing expenses is greatly dependent on the study of employment prospects. However, it is the socioeconomically disadvantaged populations that experience a disproportionate share of the challenges related to unemployment, insufficient work opportunities, and low-paying jobs that do not offer a sufficient income to sustain a reasonable standard of living. The lack of job prospects presents difficulties for families in covering rental costs and increases their susceptibility to eviction.
Ensuring access to top-notch healthcare is vital for maintaining economic stability and reducing the likelihood of evictions. Individuals and families with ongoing health issues or restricted access to preventative healthcare may see a substantial increase in medical expenses, resulting in inadequate financial resources for housing necessities. Moreover, an individual's compromised health might hinder their ability to engage in employment, so exacerbating their financial hardship.
Critical Reflections on the Book's Contributions and Limitations
Desmond's book, Evicted, offers a valuable perspective on the eviction problem by delving into the intricate relationship between government policies, personal experiences, and systemic injustices. Desmond's book employs an
anthropological methodology, drawing on his extensive fieldwork, to provide a distinctive viewpoint on the actual experiences of tenants and landlords. It illuminates the power dynamics and daily challenges that contribute to the eviction issue.
However, the focus of the book on Milwaukee, Wisconsin raises questions about its generalizability to other cities and regions alike. While the underlying issues and factors contributing to them may be similar in many cases, the specific legislative framework and the specifics of local experiences may vary. Furthermore, despite its powerful effects, the book's emphasis on human tales and first-hand experiences may often mask the more significant structural causes of the persistent eviction problem.
Conclusion
Matthew Desmond's book Evicted is a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating read that questions accepted beliefs about the eviction problem and invites readers to consider the implications of governmental action in this area. The book's significance stems from its thorough reporting of the eviction problem, its examination of the intricate interactions between personal experiences and
systemic injustices, and its advocacy for all-encompassing changes aimed at tackling the underlying causes of homelessness and poverty. The book's concentration on personal experiences and narrow geographic focus may limit its applicability, but its analysis and general message are still very pertinent to the larger conversation about housing limitations and evictions in the US.
Reference
Desmond, M. (2016). Evicted:
Poverty and profit in the American city. Crown Publishers.
