Kaleidoscope Series presents Matthew Desmond

Participants will be challenged to examine the topic of poverty as it relates to Richland County and similar communities struggling with income inequality issues.

MacArthur “Genius” Matthew Desmond and Princeton sociologist was launched onto the national stage as an expert on contemporary American poverty with the publication of his Pulitzer Prize winning bestseller Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. Combining years of embedded fieldwork with painstakingly gathered data, Evicted transformed our understanding of inequity and economic exploitation in America. 

Even in the most desolate areas of American cities, evictions used to be rare. But today, most poor renting families are spending more than half of their income on housing, and eviction has become ordinary, especially for single mothers.

As we see families forced into shelters, squalid apartments, or more dangerous neighborhoods, we bear witness to the human cost of America’s vast inequality—and to people’s determination and intelligence in the face of hardship. 

What does that mean for Mansfield, the current housing climate and what can be done to ensure quality housing for all residents? 

Our Sponsors

Richland County Foundation
Mansfield/Richland County Public Library
Renaissance Performing Arts Association
Richland Source