Poorly Understood: What America Gets Wrong About Poverty

Product Description
What if the idealized image of American society—a land of opportunity that will reward hard work with economic success—is completely wrong?
Few topics have as many myths, stereotypes, and misperceptions surrounding them as that of poverty in America. The poor have been badly misunderstood since the beginnings of the country, with the rhetoric only ratcheting up in recent times. Our current era of fake news, alternative facts, and media partisanship has led to a breeding ground for all types of myths and misinformation to gain traction and legitimacy.
Poorly Understood is the first book to systematically address and confront many of the most widespread myths pertaining to poverty. Mark Robert Rank, Lawrence M. Eppard, and Heather E. Bullock powerfully demonstrate that the realities of poverty are much different than the myths; indeed in many ways they are more disturbing. The idealized image of American society is one of abundant opportunities, with hard work being rewarded by economic prosperity. But what if this picture is wrong? What if poverty is an experience that touches the majority of Americans? What if hard work does not necessarily lead to economic well-being? What if the reasons for poverty are largely beyond the control of individuals? And if all of the evidence necessary to disprove these myths has been readily available for years, why do they remain so stubbornly pervasive? These are much more disturbing realities to consider because they call into question the very core of America's identity.
Armed with the latest research, Poorly Understood not only challenges the myths of poverty and inequality, but it explains why these myths continue to exist, providing an innovative blueprint for how the nation can move forward to effectively alleviate American poverty.
Review
"I have often wished for a simple, accessible book that could set the record straight ― something not too jargon-laden, not too academic and not too preachy, the kind of book you could hand to a cynical street cop, your neighbor or your Uncle Fred, and expect that it might actually be read. In
"Poorly Understood: What America Gets Wrong About Poverty," Mark Robert Rank, Lawrence M. Eppard and Heather E. Bullock have produced just such a book, setting out to systematically catalogue and debunk the most widely believed myths about poverty and the poor..." -- Rosa Brooks, Georgetown ,
The
Washington Post
"
Poorly Understood dispels the myths that have prevented us from addressing our nation's shameful disparities in wealth and income. It should be required reading for every member of Congress. At least the ones that read." -- Al Franken, Media personality, author, and former Minnesota U.S.
Senator
"In clear and cogent prose backed up by solid evidence,
Poorly Understood explodes the myths about poverty in 21st century America. It is not rare. It is not something that happens only to 'other people.' And the usual bromides about escaping it through hard work, education, and upward mobility no
longer hold water. Poverty is more prevalent and deeper than in other industrial nations, and anyone who wants a clear-eyed analysis of why poverty persists and how it can be overcome needs to read this book." -- Douglas S. Massey, Princeton University Professor of Sociology and past President of
both the American Sociological Association and the Population Association of America
"This book is more than a data-driven academic exercise. Mark Rank and his co-authors are clear that there are solutions. Reading, I was reminded of my time as an organizer for welfare rights when we chanted 'Adequate Income Now!' and 'Mas Dinero Ahora!' Their final argument is the need to organize
to make the change. It has certainly been my life's work, and I hope there are many that heed their call!" -- Wade Rathke, Founder of ACORN International
"
Poorly Understood presents essential evidence that will make it much harder for people to ignore pove