This was also a time of economic growth and near-full employment for the United States, which many today-especially after the 2008 economic crisis-remember as a time of relative wealth and abundance. As Ehrenreich was beginning her experiment, this law was beginning to kick in, meaning that millions of Americans formerly on welfare were now about to join the workforce (in most cases the low-wage workforce).

By vividly highlighting the struggles of low-wage workers, this book encourages readers to think critically about income inequality in our society today, and what can be done to help close the gap between rich and poor.In 1996, President Bill Clinton signed into law the “Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act,” a piece of welfare-reform legislation that drastically reshaped welfare programs, reduced federal spending on welfare, and required many to work in exchange for receiving social benefits.Nickel and Dimed provides readers with a much-needed understanding of the modern day challenges faced by working class Americans, which often go unnoticed or underappreciated by society at large.Ehrenreich's descriptions of the challenges she faces while attempting to survive on minimum wage are both heartbreaking and thought-provoking.The book does an excellent job at illustrating how difficult it can be to make a living when wages are so low, yet costs for rent, groceries, etc., remain high.Nickel and Dimed is both an important social commentary and an inspiring story about determination and resilience in the face of adversity.

The book serves as a wake-up call for society to recognize and address issues of income inequality in America today.Ehrenreich's engaging storytelling style helps to bring her experiences to life while also driving home key points about the struggles of low-income earners.Nickel and Dimed offers a unique perspective into the lives of those living in poverty, and highlights how class divisions exist even in traditionally homogenous communities.

Barbara Ehrenreich provides an eye-opening account of her experience as a minimum wage worker, and shows the reader that the working poor are often victims of an unfair economic system.Nickel and Dimed shines a light on the plight of low-wage workers in America and drives home the point that even with hard work, it is difficult to make ends meet.

Nickel and dimed cliff notes