Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

Poverty, by America Reviews: Reactions From NYT, NPR, & WSJ

Does Poverty, by America offer an accurate view of poverty in the US? What criticism has it received? There’s a growing canon of recent social science works exploring the phenomenon of poverty in America. One of these books is Matthew Desmond’s Poverty, by America. Upon its release, critics hailed it as an important and timely contribution to the conversation. Read more to see several top Poverty, by America reviews as well as some general information about the book.

How to Call BS: 3 Practical Strategies for Refuting Bullshit

When you recognize lies and misinformation, do you call them out? Do you have the guts to do it but lack the skills to counter false claims? Carl T. Bergstrom and Jevin D. West acknowledge that identifying bullshit alone isn’t enough to mitigate its spread. To that end, they share several techniques for calling bullshit so that others don’t fall for it: Construct a reductio ad absurdum, provide counterexamples, and use clarifying analogies. Read more to learn how to call BS and keep misinformation at bay.

Matthew Desmond: Poverty Goes Well Beyond Numbers

What does it feel like to be poor? What aspects of poverty can’t be quantified? It’s easy to regard poverty as a black-and-white, by-the-numbers matter. But, according to Matthew Desmond, poverty is far more than that. It’s a tangible experience he knows firsthand, and he argues that it’s important for policymakers (and everyone else) to look beyond the numbers. Keep reading to understand the lived experience—and the consequences—of poverty from Desmond’s perspective.

How to Be Skeptical: 3 Ways to Identify Bullshit

Do you tend to believe everything you hear? Would you like to foster healthy skepticism without falling into the trap of cynicism? Let’s be frank: The modern world is replete with bullshit—a phenomenon that professors Carl T. Bergstrom and Jevin D. West define as the use of misleading evidence to persuade an audience. But, we aren’t defenseless against this bullshit, they argue. Read more to learn how to be skeptical and identify bullshit in its many forms.

Family Structure and Poverty: Is There a Connection?

Are non-traditional families inherently poorer than traditional families? Is marriage just for the privileged? Poverty remains a persistent feature of American life despite the economy being large enough to raise every adult and child above the defined poverty level. The stubborn persistence of poverty has given rise to several false explanations for its staying power, including non-traditional family structures. Let’s explore the perceived connection between family structure and poverty and Matthew Desmond’s rebuttal.

Are Poor People Lazy? Examining Poverty & Work Ethic

Are poor people lazy? What did the Covid-19 experience teach us about poverty and work ethic? When politicians try to figure out why people become poor and stay poor, they often point to a lack of work ethic. Social scientist Matthew Desmond pushes back on this idea, pointing to data gathered during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Continue reading to learn what Desmond discovered.

Myths About Poverty: 3 Explanations for Poverty Put to the Test

Why Socioeconomic Status and Depression Are Linked

Why is there poverty in the US? Do immigrants have less social mobility? Is family structure a factor? The US is a prosperous nation. But, poverty has a hold on a significant portion of the population. The stubborn persistence of poverty has given rise to several false explanations for its staying power, including immigration, non-traditional family structures, and a bad work ethic among the poor. Read more to see how social scientist Matthew Desmond tackles these three myths about poverty in the US.

What Is YIMBY? Introducing the “Yes in My Back Yard” Movement

What is YIMBY? What’s the frustration behind it, and what’s its goal? YIMBY (“Yes in My Back Yard”) is a social and political movement focused on affordable housing. A response to NIMBY (“Not in My Back Yard”), they demand reforms in policies and regulations that govern housing in large cities. Keep reading to learn about the YIMBY movement and its demands.

Grace Beverley’s Working Hard, Hardly Working: Book Overview

Are productivity and self-care opposites? Do you have to choose between the two, or can you enjoy both? The word “productivity” typically doesn’t bring to mind self-care behaviors such as sleeping in and enjoying a leisurely meal with friends. But, Grace Beverley’s Working Hard, Hardly Working insists that self-care and productivity aren’t opposites—they actually require each other. Continue reading for an overview of this book that might inspire you to reset your lifestyle.

Housing and Poverty: Exploitation vs. Empowerment

Do you want to keep the poor out of your neighborhood? Are you struggling to become a homeowner? In Poverty, by America, social scientist Matthew Desmond addresses the link between housing and poverty. He argues that some public policies and personal choices exploit the poor. But, he says that we can turn things around and offer empowerment instead of exploitation. Keep reading to understand Desmond’s argument.