The book Nickel and Dimed: on (not) getting by in America by Barbara Ehrenreich was published in 2001. The book is an encounter on how the average American workers are trying to survive on a minimum or minimum wage jobs. The research she conducted showed that strong work ethic was not enough to provide the necessities. The necessities are shelter, food and transportation. The people who work in retail places and restaurant do not earn enough pay to make them climb the ladder of success. “On average nationwide, an hourly wage of $8.89 to afford a one bedroom apartment . . .” (Ehrenreich 2001) with this the author implies that people with few skills to get higher paying jobs, they are forced to survive on two or more minimal wage jobs.
Ehrenreich’s book argues that it is impossible to match the income from the minute wages to the expenses. The book also focuses on the problems that the working poor must overcome. The working conditions and the long hours that the workers spend usually take an inevitable toll on their health. The effect of meager job is clearly illustrated in the book. The book explores how the workers end up having negative relationships with their friends and family members. Ehrenreich explains that how employers treat the workers, especially females, is very important. She argues that treating employees well influences how they feel about themselves. The book argues that the American system is not fair in how they pay wages to the workers. More should be done to ensure that the hardworking citizens are paid worth what they contribute. There should be raise on the minimum wages that the workers are paid.
Reference
Ehrenreich, B. (2001). Nickel and dimed: On (not) getting by in America. New York: Metropolitan Books.
