Photo by Tamarcus Brown
Our recent visit from Matthew Desmond, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Princeton University sociologist, inspired us to investigate other perspectives on economic equity and social justice issues. Dr. Desmond’s keynote speech on October 16 at Davidson College focused on his latest book, Poverty, by America. His remarks motivated us to dig deeper into how we might encourage our community to begin unraveling the complex threads that keep so many of the people served at Crisis Assistance Ministry from achieving financial security and prosperity.
Following the award-winning success of Dr. Desmond’s first book, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, his latest release confronts the myths, misconceptions, and outright lies we tell ourselves about poverty and the people experiencing it. Perhaps more importantly, the book asks each of us to examine how our personal decisions may perpetuate the suffering of others. The overarching message of the book, however, is hopeful: It is possible to abolish poverty through policies and practices that are within our reach.
So, galvanized by Dr. Desmond’s message, we set out to discover recently published books about socioeconomic equality. Here are five books we’re adding to our reading list this year:
The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together
Rooted in history, but also author Heather McGhee’s personal story, this book examines the “Solidarity Dividend” – the idea that everyone benefits when people work together across racial lines. The fallacy that when some people gain, others must lose, is outdated and we must discard it to move forward together.
The System: Who Rigged It, How We Fix It
Robert B. Reich is a former Secretary of Labor and author of 18 books. His latest work examines our political-economic system and reveals how power is manipulated to undermine democracy. There is hope, though, he asserts, and it is within the power of the people to remake a system that works for everyone.
The Six Facts that Matter: Understanding Inequality in the United States
Utilizing simple facts and straightforward language, author Geoffrey Sanzenbacher aims to make complex concepts and issues understandable. The book covers basic economics like how wages are determined and also branches into more complicated subjects like the economics of marriage.
The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves
Operating from the premise that what’s holding back true and lasting social change is the narrow lens through which we view the world, author Shawn Ginwright encourages readers to shift perspectives. He says creating an equitable society requires us to dream differently by intentionally pivoting in four key areas.
Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways
While people tend to envision activists and advocates for social change as bold and outspoken, the truth is there is a need for people of all temperaments and talents. Author Dorcas Cheng-Tozun outlines six possible pathways for sensitive rebels to put their abundant gifts to work bringing about positive societal transformation.
At Crisis Assistance Ministry, we believe it is important to educate ourselves about the complex issues facing the people we serve. We must never forget that racism, economic inequities, and social justice are not academic or theoretical. They are everyday realities with painful consequences for far too many of our neighbors.
We’ll continue to share resources, thoughts, and information about how you can research issues and find ways to get involved in creating the kind of world we all deserve.
“Think before you speak. Read before you think.”
-Fran Lebowitz