Final answer:
Desmond and Wilson describe the inner city as being plagued by cyclical poverty, with unstable housing and systemic racism exacerbating living conditions. Desmond uses anecdotes to illustrate these points, and Wilson adds historical context to show how past injustices have contributed to present-day issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Darryl McDaniels, while not explicitly mentioned in this context, may have provided insights into life in the inner city through his music and public statements as a member of the hip-hop group Run-D.M.C. However, based on the given references, various authors describe life in the inner city highlighting the struggles and the factors that exacerbate those conditions. Matthew Desmond observes cyclical poverty in Milwaukee and identifies unstable housing as a key element impeding economic stability. In The Truly Disadvantaged, William Julius Wilson discusses challenges faced by the inner-city residents, including insufficient job opportunities and the lingering effects of systemic racism.
Desmond's use of anecdotes, such as Sherrena Tarver's ethical dilemma about evicting Lamar, a disabled tenant who cannot pay, underscores the complex human element involved in the housing crisis. Wilson notes that historical segregation and economic deprivation contribute significantly to present circumstances. Laurence Ralph's ethnographic research on Chicago's West Side documents the harsh realities of a community grappling with discrimination, violence, and marginalization, yet seeking ways to improve their neighborhood through social activism.