Summary
Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America is a groundbreaking work of undercover journalism that sheds light on the struggles of low-wage workers in the United States. Published in 2001, this New York Times bestseller has sold nearly a million copies and become a modern classic in social commentary. Ehrenreich's firsthand account of working as a waitress, maid, and Walmart employee exposes the harsh realities faced by millions of Americans trying to survive on minimum wage.
Nickel and Dimed has been widely acclaimed for its insight and passion, changing the way many Americans perceive the working poor. It has been featured on numerous “best books” lists, including ranking 13th on The Guardian's list of the 100 best books of the 21st century in 2019, and 57th on the New York Times list of the 100 best books of the 21st century in 2024.
While Nickel and Dimed has not seen a major film or television adaptation, it has influenced popular culture in other ways. In 2007, Ehrenreich appeared in the documentary The American Ruling Class, where she reenacted her experiences as a waitress, accompanied by a musical rendition titled “Nickeled and Dimed.” The book's enduring relevance has also inspired similar works, such as Stephanie Land's 2019 memoir Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay and a Mother's Will to Survive, which features an introduction by Ehrenreich herself.
Plot
In “Nickel and Dimed,” author Barbara Ehrenreich embarks on an undercover journey to investigate the lives of America's working poor. She decides to leave behind her comfortable life as a successful writer and immerse herself in the world of low-wage jobs. Ehrenreich's experiment begins in Florida, where she takes on a job as a waitress, earning a meager $2.43 an hour plus tips.
As her investigation continues, Ehrenreich moves to different parts of the country, taking on various low-paying positions. She works as a maid in Maine, a nursing home aide in Minnesota, and even tries her hand as a Wal-Mart salesperson. Throughout her journey, she attempts to survive on the wages she earns, facing the challenges of finding affordable housing, managing transportation costs, and meeting basic needs.
The author quickly discovers that one job is often not enough to make ends meet. She encounters coworkers who juggle multiple jobs just to keep a roof over their heads. Ehrenreich experiences firsthand the physical and mental toll of these demanding jobs, which often require long hours, grueling work, and little respect from employers or customers.
