Miriam Davoudvandi's Debut Book Examines Poverty and Class Struggle in Germany

German journalist and podcaster Miriam Davoudvandi has published her first book, titled "Das können wir uns nicht leisten." The work, described as class literature rather than a traditional memoir, explores the realities of poverty in Germany through Davoudvandi's personal experiences. Born to an Iranian father and Romanian mother, Davoudvandi emigrated from Bucharest to Bad Säckingen at age six. Despite academic success and a career in journalism, DJing, and podcasting, the book focuses on systemic economic inequality rather than a rags-to-riches narrative. Davoudvandi details how poverty restricts social participation, fosters shame, and leads to lasting physical and psychological consequences. The author uses sociological analysis to distinguish between temporary financial hardship and genuine poverty, highlighting structural discrimination often overlooked in public discourse. The book challenges common perceptions of social divisions, arguing that the primary split in society exists between economic classes rather than political orientations. Davoudvandi joins other contemporary German-language authors addressing class issues, such as Olivier David and Marco Ott. Now residing in Berlin, she dedicates the work to her parents, recounting childhood experiences that contributed to survivor syndrome and depression. The publication aims to make economic inequality visible and mobilize discussion beyond sentimental portrayals of poverty.