54 pages • 1 hour read
Barbara EhrenreichNickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2001A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America, Barbara Ehrenreich undertakes a social experiment to determine if one can survive on low-wage jobs across three cities: Key West, Portland, and Minneapolis. She documents her experiences working as a waitress, dietary aide, house cleaner, and Wal-Mart clerk, highlighting the challenges of low pay, strenuous labor conditions, and insufficient living arrangements. The book addresses themes of economic disparity and the exploitation of low-wage workers. The book discusses drug tests and personality tests during the hiring process.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed garners praise for its unflinching exploration of low-wage work in America. Readers commend its immersive journalism and empathetic portrayal of workers' struggles. Some critique it for an occasionally detached perspective and oversimplifications. Overall, it's valued for its eye-opening, thought-provoking narrative and social commentary.
Who Should Read Nickel and Dimed?
Readers who enjoy Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich typically relish investigative journalism and social critique. They are often drawn to works like Evicted by Matthew Desmond and The Working Poor by David K. Shipler, seeking compelling insights into economic hardships and societal inequities.