Nickel and Dimed: Book Summary & Analysis

This is a concise summary and analysis of Nickel and Dimed, by Barbara Ehrenreich. It is not the original book and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Barbara Ehrenreich. Ideal for those seeking a quick and insightful overview. In this eye-opening investigative work, a journalist goes undercover to explore the realities of low-wage work in America. Taking on various minimum-wage jobs—including waitressing, retail, and housekeeping—she uncovers the struggles of the working poor, highlighting the hidden costs of survival, the exploitation of labor, and the impossibility of getting by on wages that barely cover rent. Through firsthand experience and sharp social commentary, this book challenges the myth of upward mobility and exposes the harsh truths of economic inequality.