"Nickel and Dimed"

Paper Summary:

This paper provides practical criticism of Ehrenreich's study. The writer states that it was unrealistic and not thorough and he cites many specific shortcomings of the study. The writer shows that the study did not do enough to cover all the options of government aid available to a low paid wage worker and also that the person was fussy about which job to take.

From the Paper:

"Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed brings to light the low-wage America in all its stubbornness, nervousness, and astonishing openhandedness. It is a territory of Big Boxes, fast food, and a thousand frantic subterfuges for continued existence. Some people may advise others to read for the ablating clearness of Ehrenreich's point of view and for an infrequent analysis of how "opulence" seems from the bottom. Also, some people say after reading this book no one will ever look at a motel bathroom or a restaurant meal quite the same way again. However, there are many people who believe Ehrenreich's experiment living as a wageworker was poorly done. She failed to mention some of the main problems that they have. Those problems include shoes that are worn completely out, no means to get medicine if needed, childcare worries, and hopelessness and the sense of lack of control."

More papers on "Nickel and Dimed":

• Book Review # 120940 : "Nickel and Dimed": The Poor in America"
• Book Review # 114675 : "Nickel and Dimed"
• Book Review # 111247 : "Barbara Ehrenreich's "Nickel and Dimed"
• Book Review # 98251 : "Nickel and Dimed"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: