Evicted by Matthew Desmond: Book Overview and Exercises

A mother and two children stand outside a house that has an "Evicted" sign on the door

Why are eviction rates rising in the United States? Why is the poverty-eviction cycle so hard to break? Can anything be done to help the situation? Imagine living with the knowledge that you could lose your home at any time, for any reason. In Evicted, sociologist Matthew Desmond explains that millions of Americans live every day under the threat of eviction, and it takes a heavy toll on them both psychologically and financially.  Keep reading for our brief overview of Desmond’s book Evicted.

Evictions in the US Rise Because There Is No Solidarity Anymore

A group of people standing in front of an apartment complex opposing evictions in the US

What does community have to do with evictions? How has renter solidarity changed since the Great Depression? Matthew Desmond, sociologist and the author of Evicted, says that a primary reason why evictions in the US are rising is that renters don’t stand up for each other anymore. Renters are allowing predatory landlords to walk all over them in fear of losing housing. Here’s a look at how renter solidarity has changed.

How to Fix the Housing Crisis: Matthew Desmond’s Suggestions

A hand holding keys to an apartment because the housing crisis has been fixed

Do you want to know how to fix the housing crisis in America? Is rent control a good idea? How helpful are rental assistance programs? In his book Evicted, sociologist Matthew Desmond lays out three ways that the United States government could fix the housing crisis. In fact, some federal programs already exist and just need to be expanded. Here are Desmond’s suggestions from Evicted.

The Innovation Strategy of Starbucks That Saved the Company

Two new Starbucks drinks on a ledge as part of the innovation strategy at Starbucks

What’s the innovation strategy of Starbucks? What cuts did CEO Howard Schultz have to make to raise Starbucks’s profits? One of Schultz’s initial turnaround strategies in 2008 was to improve Starbucks’ financial standing. He achieved this by focusing on two objectives: frugalizing operations and shifting in focus from expansion to innovation. Let’s explore these innovative changes in more detail.

Starbucks in 2010: Howard Schultz’s Plan for a Better Future

A Starbucks store in 2010

What was Starbucks’s plan for success in 2010? How did Starbucks reward its employees in the same year? In 2010, Starbucks lifted itself out of an economic rut thanks to former CEO Howard Schultz. Schultz’s not only stemmed Starbucks’ financial downturn but also bolstered its reputation as a socially responsible corporation. Here’s how Schultz planned to keep Starbucks in a positive state after 2010.

2 Ways Democracy and Economic Inequality Are Connected

people standing on stacks of coins of different heights illustrate the link between democracy and economic inequality

Is economic inequality eroding the foundations of democracy? How does the widening wealth gap affect our social fabric? Democracy and economic inequality are increasingly intertwined in modern society. We draw insights from a philosopher and an economist to understand the complex relationship between these two factors, examining how growing social divisions and reduced social mobility can threaten democratic systems. Continue reading for perspectives on this crucial issue shaping our world today.

How to Protect Democracy: 3 Strategies to Stave Off Threats

a security guard in front of a large granite building labeled "Democracy" illustrates how to protect democracy

Are you concerned about the state of democracy in your country? Do you wonder how to protect democracy in an increasingly polarized world? Shortform’s Master Guide to Threats to Democracy explores practical solutions to safeguard democratic institutions. We’ll examine several approaches that aim to strengthen democracy and foster a more inclusive political landscape. Read on to discover how you can play a role in protecting and revitalizing democracy in your community and beyond.

Thomas Piketty: Inequality of Wealth Can Be Reduced 3 Ways

cartoon drawing of three people each holding two dollars illustrates Thomas Piketty's inequality of wealth solutions

What do you think about the growing wealth gap in our society? Should this issue be addressed? According to Thomas Piketty, inequality of wealth can be dealt with. In his book Capital in the Twenty-First Century, he proposes three key economic reforms to reduce wealth inequality: a global wealth tax, increased financial transparency, and progressive taxation. Continue reading to understand Piketty’s ideas and their implications for society.

The 2007-2008 Starbucks Crisis: What Led to Its Near Defeat?

A closed sign on the window of a Starbucks store that shows a Starbucks crisis

What was the Starbucks crisis in 2007 and 2008? What caused Starbucks stocks to drop at a worrying pace during this time? By the mid-2000s, Starbucks was in a great place as a franchise. However, the decision to focus on rapid growth over in-store experience led to customer complaints, dropping stocks, and slow financial growth. Continue reading to learn about the factors that led to Starbucks’s downfall.

Starbucks in 2007: How the Franchise Fell From the Top

A Starbucks store in 2007

What happened to Starbucks in 2007? Why did Starbucks suffer from opening new stores? By 2007, Starbucks had become a bastion of coffeehouse culture, but it wasn’t performing as well as former CEO Howard Schultz thought it should. In his book Onward, Schultz discusses how Starbucks rose to the top but fell to the bottom during the 2007-2008 financial crisis. Keep reading to learn about the rise and fall of Starbucks.