Question

Ehrenreich conducted her experiment from 1998-2000. What do you think has stayed the same? What has changed?

Answer 1

Barbara Ehrenreich in her book Nickel and Dimed conducted an experiment on the condition of low wage workers within America and whether it was feasible for them to survive on the basis of the wages they could earn when compared to the minimum living wage required for availing basic facilities for survival. As compared to 1998-2000, when the author even words for dollar 2.43 an hour plus tips, as a waitress, the present minimum wage rate of $7.25 per hour as the federal minimum wage rate implemented under the fair labor standards act, is a major improvement even after due consideration of the rate of inflation as there is an increase of almost 200%. Increased awareness among low wage workers across America resulted in labor officials making efforts to unite the low wage workers in various ways including informal groups rather than unions only to minimize exploitation. The national employment law project resulted in organizing action among low wage workers which led to the minimum wage rate in 2010 experiencing an increase of almost 25% as compared to June 2009. The advancement in communication technology does help to create awareness and unite workers across the nation buy all low wage workers demanding the right to live and not simply survive. This is what the author has established in her book that the minimum wage is not sufficient two even survive as it does not provide the basic amenities required even if a person works two jobs a day. It is mere survival. With the wage rate having increase and extensive support for workers ensure that the low wage workers are not exploited and also provided adequate opportunity for growth and promotion upon developing their skill set or obtaining the required qualifications.

The workers also have become more aware of the rights granted to them under the labor law and have begun to demand the amenities and support within the workplace that is their right. The present-day workers are aware of their rights and their importance within the economy and the bargaining power that they can attain by uniting against the employers to get a life beyond survival. They have established that they can do this with the vast improvement in minimum wage rate being valid proof. Workers are also more aware of the opportunities available to improve their employability for availing higher wages. The discrimination has not changed with most low wage workers belonging to the ethnic backgrounds, with their social conditions creating an overall environment which restricts rapid development or improvement in the way of life.