In a world where the United States is often seen as a land of opportunity and wealth, it is a startling contrast to see the extent of poverty within its borders. Matthew Desmond, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, dives deep into this paradox in his eye-opening book, "Poverty, by America."

Desmond points out a hard-to-swallow truth: Despite the country's immense wealth, a significant portion of its population struggles with poverty. But why is this the case? Let's find out down below.

Pixabay / Pexels / In his best-selling book “Poverty, by America,” Desmond suggests that the poverty rate in the U.S. has been hovering over 21% for the past half-century.

The Persistent Shadow of Poverty

Desmond highlights a staggering statistic: The poverty rate in the U.S. has been hovering over 21% for the past half-century. However, this figure is not just a number--it represents millions of lives grappling with financial instability in a country that is globally synonymous with prosperity.

But the question remains: How can such a wealthy nation have such a high rate of poverty? The U.S. is undeniably one of the richest countries in the world, with an economy that is the envy of many. However, this wealth is not evenly distributed.

A small percentage of the population holds a vast majority of the country's wealth, leaving a significant portion of Americans struggling to make ends meet. This wealth disparity creates a paradox where the overall richness of the country does not translate to the financial well-being of all its citizens.

Weber / Pexels / According to Desmond, the issue lies deep in the system of the U.S.

Systemic Issues at Play

Desmond argues that the problem is systemic. It is not just about individual failures or lack of effort. Instead, it is about how the system is structured. From healthcare costs to housing prices, the average American's expenses are often disproportionately high compared to their income.

Additionally, wages have not kept up with the rising cost of living, making it harder for many to break out of the poverty cycle.

One of the most prominent examples Desmond uses is the housing crisis. Affordable housing is increasingly scarce, and many low-income families spend the majority of their earnings on rent. This leaves little to nothing for other essentials like food, healthcare, and education. The housing market, thus, is a clear indicator of how systemic issues contribute to ongoing poverty.

Education: The Unequal Leveler

Education has always been touted as the great equalizer. But in reality, it is often a mirror of the economic disparities in society. Schools in poorer neighborhoods typically receive less funding and resources, resulting in lower educational outcomes.

IA / Unsplash / With one of the most expensive healthcare systems in the world, millions of Americans are just one medical emergency away from financial ruin.

This creates a cycle where the lack of quality education leads to lower-paying jobs, perpetuating poverty. In his book, Desmond highlights that the U.S. healthcare is a luxury many cannot afford. For one, it is expensive - and inaccessible for some.

This reality significantly contributes to the poverty rate, as people are forced to choose between health and financial stability. Similarly, Desmond emphasizes that policy plays a crucial role in either alleviating or exacerbating poverty.

Policies that focus on wealth redistribution, affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and quality education can significantly reduce poverty in the country.