Taxing the Poor

"Taxing the Poor" by Katherine S. Newman offers a critical examination of the taxation policies affecting low-income families in the United States, with a particular focus on the American South. Published by the University of California Press in 2011, this insightful paperback spans 264 pages and delves into how income taxes and regressive sales taxes—often applied even to essential items like food—further entrench poverty. Newman argues that these taxation practices not only exacerbate financial hardships but also contribute to a range of poverty-related issues that often go unnoticed. This compelling read is essential for anyone interested in social justice, economic policy, and the impacts of taxation on the lives of the most vulnerable populations. Discover how systemic inequities in tax policies affect the well-being of families and individuals, and join the conversation about creating a fairer system.