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Nickel & Dimed summary
Undercover in Low-Wage USA
15 mins
Brief summary
Nickel & Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich is a non-fiction work that documents her social experiment of living on low-wage jobs in America. She exposes the harsh reality of the working poor, highlighting the obscene wealth inequality and the difficulties that many Americans face in making ends meet.
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Nickel & Dimed
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Key idea 1 of 7
Poverty is a big problem in the United States, which led the author to investigate further.
If you were to walk through any US city, you’d inevitably see some homeless people or people in poverty. They’re a stark reminder that poverty is still a serious and nationwide problem.
When this book was released, around 2001, the United States Census Bureau reported that 12.1 percent of the country was living in poverty. To be included in this category means that you are unable to afford the basic requirements for a simple life, such as an apartment, decent food and health insurance.
This is a significant portion of the country and it goes to show that many people’s wages are dangerously low. At the time, the minimum wage was somewhere between six and seven dollars per hour – this despite the fact that research done by the National Coalition for the Homeless determined that a person would need to earn at least $8.89 per hour in order to afford the rent for a studio apartment.
Yet many people have the odds stacked against them when it comes to earning a livable wage.
According to independent research from the Preamble Center for Public Policy, only one out of every 97 people relying on welfare benefits would meet the qualification requirements for anything above a minimum-wage job. These people simply lack the educational background or access to continuing education that is required.
But this paints a vague picture of the problem at hand, which is why the author wanted to get a better idea of what it’s really like for these millions of people. With her background in investigative journalism, the author decided to enter the world of minimum-wage living for a couple of years, from 1998 to 2000.
This meant omitting her education and background from job applications and trying to get the best-paying employment she could. She wanted to see how possible – or impossible – it really was to find housing, pay rent and survive on only six to seven dollars an hour.
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What is Nickel & Dimed about?
Nickel and Dimed (2001) offers a first-hand account of low-income life in America. The author went underground to learn why a huge number of hard-working people must struggle to earn enough money to live a comfortable life, eat decent food and afford the most basic shelter. We may take them for granted, but the people earning the minimum wage are the nation’s backbone, serving our food, cleaning up after us and stocking the supermarket shelves.
Nickel & Dimed Review
Nickel & Dimed (2001) is a thought-provoking book that delves into the struggles of low-wage workers in America. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- It sheds light on the realities and challenges faced by individuals trying to make ends meet on minimum wage, offering a new perspective on socioeconomic issues.
- Through her own experiences, Ehrenreich provides insightful observations on the working poor, exposing the flaws in the system and igniting empathy in readers.
- With its meticulous research and compelling narratives, the book offers a deep exploration into the lives of those often overlooked, leaving a lasting impact on readers.
Best quote from Nickel & Dimed
If you want to stack Cheerios boxes in America, you have to be willing to squat down and pee in front of a health worker.
—Barbara Ehrenreich
Who should read Nickel & Dimed?
- Sociologists interested in wage discrepancy
- Journalists looking for inspiration
- Employees and employers
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Nickel & Dimed FAQs
What is the main message of Nickel & Dimed?
The main message of Nickel & Dimed is the harsh reality of low-wage work in America.
How long does it take to read Nickel & Dimed?
The reading time for Nickel & Dimed varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Nickel & Dimed a good book? Is it worth reading?
Nickel & Dimed is a thought-provoking book that sheds light on important social issues. It is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of Nickel & Dimed?
The author of Nickel & Dimed is Barbara Ehrenreich.
What to read after Nickel & Dimed?
If you're wondering what to read next after Nickel & Dimed, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The Power of Culture by Laura Hamill
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- Artificial Intelligence & Generative AI for Beginners by David M. Patel
- Winners Take All by Anand Giridharadas
- The Anarchy by William Dalrymple
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