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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
$2.00 a Day summary
Kathryn J. Edin
Brief summary
$2.00 a Day by Kathryn J. Edin reveals the harsh reality of extreme poverty in the United States, exploring the lives of families struggling to survive on less than $2 a day and the systemic issues that contribute to their plight.
Table of Contents
$2.00 a Day
Summary of key ideas
The Harsh Reality of Extreme Poverty
In $2.00 a Day, we dive into Kathryn J. Edin's revealing exploration of the depths of extreme poverty in the United States, a situation so dire that individuals subsist on a shocking two dollars per day. Drawing on years of observation, the book showcases the invisible group of Americans who've been left out of the modern economy. Edin's clear and compassionate narrative explores the inception of this crisis during the welfare reform of the 1990s.
The stories unfolding in $2.00 a Day are those of families devoid of cash income, meandering through a cycle of homelessness, joblessness, and despair. Despite these dire conditions, we observe the astonishing resilience and ingenuity of the affected individuals. They devise survival strategies such as selling blood plasma or scrap metal, only to fight another day in inhospitable conditions.
A System in Crisis
Edin's portrayal further delves into the system's failures, providing insight into the role of welfare reform in creating the two-dollar-a-day poverty bracket. The narrative presents the "welfare queen" stereotype - a myth that helped fuel the push for welfare reform in the 90s. The result was the creation of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program (TANF), which, with its strict work requirements and lifetime limits, has in turn perpetuated the cycle of extreme poverty.
Part of the grim reality exposed in $2.00 a Day is the distinctly American paradox of working people barely scraping by despite holding jobs. Edin delves into how the low-wage job market worsens the plight of the poor. Issues such as unpredictable scheduling, zero-hour contracts, wage theft, and the difficulty of obtaining full-time employment offer a bleak picture of low-wage jobs exacerbating extreme poverty.
Living in the Abject Poverty
Capturing the intimate details of everyday life in extreme poverty, Edin paints a vivid picture of desperate living conditions, deteriorating family structures, and neglected neighborhoods. Due to the lack of cash, the book shows us households living without basics like soap and toilet paper, while families are split apart, and children are sent away to live with distant relatives.
The narrative in $2.00 a Day also underlines the vicious circle of challenge and defeat, as the individuals in extreme poverty repeatedly face setbacks such as eviction, theft, and violence. Despite their best efforts to escape, they often are pulled back into the depths of despair, highlighting the almost inescapable grip of deep poverty.
Seeking Solutions
The repercussions of extreme poverty are grave. Edin, however, doesn't leave us without hope. Towards the end of $2.00 a Day, she proposes policy changes and initiatives such as strengthening the TANF, improving the quality of low-wage jobs, and offering subsidized jobs for those unable to find regular employment. These, and more, could help alleviate the predicament of the poorest Americans.
In conclusion, $2.00 a Day is a potent examination of an alarming, often overlooked aspect of American poverty. Through first-hand accounts and rigorous research, the book lays bare the harsh realities of living in the extreme poverty bracket, calling for systemic changes to break the cycle. While painful, it's an important read, spotlighting the people beneath commonly held socio-economic assumptions and shedding light on the unseen corners of American poverty.
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What is $2.00 a Day about?
This book explores the lives of families living in extreme poverty in the United States, surviving on just $2.00 a day. Through in-depth interviews and research, the author sheds light on the harsh realities and challenges faced by these families, and offers potential solutions to address this pressing issue. It provides a thought-provoking examination of poverty and its impact on individuals and society.
$2.00 a Day Review
$2.00 a Day (2015) sheds light on the reality of extreme poverty in the United States and why it's crucial to understand and address this issue. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It offers eye-opening stories of families living on $2.00 a day, exposing the harsh conditions and challenges they face.
- Through detailed research and interviews, the book uncovers the systemic causes that trap individuals in extreme poverty, urging readers to confront and address the issue.
- With its accessible language and compassionate approach, the book sparks empathy and encourages readers to engage in the fight against poverty.
Who should read $2.00 a Day?
- Individuals who are interested in understanding the challenges faced by those living in extreme poverty
- Researchers and policymakers studying inequality and social welfare systems
- Advocates and activists working to address poverty and improve living conditions for marginalized communities
Categories with $2.00 a Day
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$2.00 a Day FAQs
What is the main message of $2.00 a Day?
The main message of $2.00 a Day is the reality of extreme poverty in America and the struggles faced by families living on two dollars a day.
How long does it take to read $2.00 a Day?
The reading time for $2.00 a Day varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is $2.00 a Day a good book? Is it worth reading?
$2.00 a Day is a thought-provoking and eye-opening book that sheds light on poverty in America. It is definitely worth reading for its important insights.
Who is the author of $2.00 a Day?
Kathryn J. Edin is the author of $2.00 a Day.
What to read after $2.00 a Day?
If you're wondering what to read next after $2.00 a Day, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Ascent of Money by Niall Ferguson
- Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- Civilization by Niall Ferguson
- No Logo by Naomi Klein
- The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich August von Hayek
- Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- What Money Can't Buy by Michael J. Sandel
- The Long Tail by Chris Anderson
- The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein