Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed Barbara Research Paper

Total Length: 673 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1

Page 1 of 2



The sharpness of the division that Ehrenreich perceives might be at least partially a symptom of her ultimate lack of subjectivity. In her introduction, Ehrenreich admits that she has many advantages over actual minimum-wage workers, not the least of which is the knowledge that even should she fail in this endeavor, she has a nice home and a "real" job to return to, and that she is not in any danger of going hungry or cold (Ehrenreich, 2001).. This presents the major limitation to her mode of study; no matter what, she is bringing an incredibly subjective and judgmental eye to her research. This shows up as a strength in hr writing, making the stories far more human and interesting, not to mention intentionally provocative, but is an immense detriment to her scholarship.

The main issue Ehrenreich touches on is, the immense unfairness of the minimum-wage situation. Clearly, life is not truly sustainable for an individual on a minimum-wage income unless two jobs are held. Ehrenreich is unable to work a twelve hour day for more than a few days in a row, though one wonders if she could do so if her life truly depended on it (Ehrenreich, 2001).

Stuck Writing Your "Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed Barbara" Research Paper?

But the fact is, we believe in this country that no one should have to do such a thing. Many people do it, however, and manage to pull themselves out of poverty. Though there is definite unfairness to the situation, there is not the hopelessness that Ehrenreich insinuates. In general, however, the economic landscape always seems to remain bleak and monotonous to low-wage worker. The jobs they work are always available, so they are somewhat more insulated from economic crises, but rising prices hurt them more. Basically, when all you're doing is just scraping by, one day seems very much like the next, and major economic tides seem like far-off events. it's hard to care about bank failures when you can't even afford to put food on your plate.

Ehrenreich, B. (2001) Nickel and Dimed. New….....

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Ehrenreich's Nickel And Dimed Barbara" (2009, January 19) Retrieved May 21, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/ehrenreich-nickel-dimed-barbara-25385

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Ehrenreich's Nickel And Dimed Barbara" 19 January 2009. Web.21 May. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/ehrenreich-nickel-dimed-barbara-25385>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Ehrenreich's Nickel And Dimed Barbara", 19 January 2009, Accessed.21 May. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/ehrenreich-nickel-dimed-barbara-25385