Part 1: Answer The Questions From Readings ✓ Solved

Part 1: Answer the following questions, from readings, in

Part 1: Answer the following questions, from readings, in “answer and question format”: 1. How do you think a living wage should be calculated? 2. Were you surprised by the casual reactions of Ehrenreich's coworkers when she revealed herself as an undercover writer? 3. Do you think Americans make excessive demands on the family unit rather than calling for the government to help those in need? 4. Do you think Ehrenreich's experience would be different in today's economy? How so? 5. After reading Nickel and Dimed, do you think that having a job—any job—is better than no job at all?

Part 2: In two pages (not including cover or reference pages), write an essay that addresses your views on low wage workers need for a $15.00 minimum wage in the US, including making an argument for or against the $15.00 minimum wage.

Paper For Above Instructions

In the contemporary discussion around labor and economic justice, the concept of a living wage has emerged as a crucial topic. A living wage is defined as the minimum income necessary for a worker to meet their basic needs, including food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and transportation without relying on governmental assistance. Given the rising costs of living, especially in urban areas, the calculation of a living wage must consider regional economic conditions, family structure, and inflation. Presently, the MIT Living Wage Calculator suggests that a living wage for a single adult in the United States varies widely, depending on location, averaging around $16 to $20 per hour (MIT, 2023). This figure underscores the essential argument for raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, which, although a substantial increase, still falls short of covering living expenses in many regions.

The casual reactions of Barbara Ehrenreich's coworkers in Nickel and Dimed upon her revelation as an undercover writer can be attributed to several factors. Many low-wage workers are often resigned to their circumstances, which may foster an environment of superficial familiarity where one may not question another's background or education. The lack of suspicion toward Ehrenreich despite her graduate education highlights a larger truth regarding socioeconomic class divisions and assumptions about intelligence and capability within wage labor environments. This sense of invisibility among low-wage workers can make their struggles feel muted and unrecognized (Ehrenreich, 2001).

The dependence on family support for housing, childcare, and domestic responsibilities reviewed in Ehrenreich’s work points to a significant shift in societal expectations towards familial obligations instead of institutional support. Americans do tend to make excessive demands on their families in these regards, which is deeply rooted in cultural norms that undervalue collective governmental support for low-income individuals and families. This dynamic indicates a critical need for a structural rethink regarding welfare policies and support systems designed to assist families rather than leaving them to navigate these challenges alone (Burgard & Lin, 2013).

Considering the current economic climate, Ehrenreich’s experiences would likely differ if she were to conduct her undercover investigation today. Although America’s economy has seen fluctuations, low-wage workers still face struggles against inflation and rising living costs. With the ongoing repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers have faced unprecedented challenges, leading to heightened discussions around healthcare, job security, and wage disparities (Pew Research Center, 2021). The emphasis on essential workers during the pandemic brings to light the importance of recognizing and compensating those in lower-wage, high-demand sectors.

Furthermore, reading Nickel and Dimed raises critical questions about the nature of employment in a capitalist society. While having a job—any job—may provide immediate financial relief, the narrative within the book emphasizes the innate challenges associated with low-wage work, which often includes inadequate pay for demanding labor, lack of benefits, and unstable working conditions. This reality could invoke feelings of anger, often rooted in the systemic failures that leave workers in precarious situations. In many cases, workers find themselves trapped in the cycle of poverty despite their hard work, raising essential concerns about fairness and justice within the labor market (Schneider, 2020).

In looking toward the future, the argument to implement a $15.00 minimum wage becomes even more significant. There are numerous challenges associated with advocating for this wage increase, particularly for marginalized groups. Gender disparities in wages highlight issues in how women and other demographics earn less relative to their male counterparts. The gender pay gap persists across industries, necessitating actions to promote equal pay for equal work (Hegewisch & Hartmann, 2020). The push for a $15 minimum wage not only addresses economic inequality but also acts as a tool for social justice aimed at lifting those in low-wage groups, including women, young adults, the elderly, and disabled individuals.

The journey toward raising the minimum wage is fraught with hurdles, particularly from opposition that argues against potential job losses and economic strain on businesses. However, these barriers can often obscure the moral and ethical implications of allowing workers to live in poverty despite their labor. Advocacy efforts must continue to mobilize community support and challenge deeply entrenched ideas about labor and worth in society.

In conclusion, the ongoing advocacy for a $15 minimum wage is not merely about financial numbers; it embodies a fundamental pursuit of equity and human dignity. Supporting a living wage reflects a collective societal commitment to ensuring that all workers have the opportunity to thrive rather than merely survive.

References

• Burgard, S. A., & Lin, K. (2013). Family structure and the psychological adjustment of children in married families. American Journal of Sociology, 118(3), 807-814.
• Ehrenreich, B. (2001). Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America. New York: Holt Paperbacks.
• Hegewisch, A., & Hartmann, H. (2020). The Gender Wage Gap: 2019; Earnings Differences by Gender. Institute for Women's Policy Research.
• MIT. (2023). Living Wage Calculator. Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
• Pew Research Center. (2021). The Impact of COVID-19 on Low-Wage Workers. Pew Research Center.
• Schneider, J. (2020). Labor relations and employee rights: Lessons from the pandemic. Journal of Labor Research, 41(3), 271-298.