Matthew Desmond
America is the wealthiest nation on earth, yet millions live in deep poverty because the economic system is designed to benefit the affluent at their expense.
Systemic exploitation in the housing and labor markets forces the poor to pay more for basic necessities while earning stagnant wages.
The government spends significantly more on tax subsidies that benefit the wealthy than on welfare programs that assist those in need.
Exclusionary zoning laws protect the property values of affluent homeowners while severely restricting affordable housing options for everyone else.