There is a deep connection, when we're talking about certain market forces and a legal structure that inhibits low or moderate income families from getting ahead. Eviction is part of a business model at the bottom of the market.

Matthew Desmond’s quote addresses the systemic issues that low or moderate-income families face due to market forces and a legal structure that makes it harder for them to achieve economic mobility. He argues that these structural barriers often prevent families from getting ahead and perpetuate inequality. The legal structure refers to policies, housing laws, and practices that may inadvertently favor landlords or corporations over vulnerable tenants, creating a cycle of disadvantage for those at the bottom of the economic ladder.

Desmond draws attention to the role that eviction plays within this broader economic framework, pointing out that for some landlords, eviction is not just a consequence of a tenant’s inability to pay; it is part of a business model. In this model, frequent evictions and the displacement of tenants are used to maximize profit, particularly in the lower end of the housing market. This creates a cycle where families are forced into unstable housing situations, making it harder for them to save money, improve their living conditions, or move toward greater economic security.

The quote also sheds light on the intersection between housing and poverty, where the lack of affordable housing and the threat of eviction contribute to a larger pattern of economic hardship for families. Desmond suggests that the legal and market systems are stacked against these families, making it difficult for them to overcome financial difficulties and achieve long-term stability. The link between eviction and business models illustrates how housing policies can inadvertently keep people trapped in a cycle of poverty.

Desmond’s insight comes from his work on housing inequality and his influential book, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. His research highlights how eviction is not just an individual hardship but a structural issue that impacts broader economic systems and social mobility. His quote calls for a reexamination of the policies and economic systems that create and perpetuate these inequalities.