HIST 1103, Section 903 – Honors Survey of American History
Laura A. Belmonte
Spring 2002
Book
Assignment for Barbara Ehrenreich, Nickled and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in
America
To Read: entire text (221 pages)
Due by 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 9th.
Write a 5-7 page, typed, double-spaced, 12-point font essay (including introduction and conclusion) in which you summarize the author’s major arguments and answer (in whatever order you find appropriate) the following questions:
-Why did Ehrenreich write this book?
-What tactics did she use to investigate low-wage workers?
-What types of jobs and experiences does she have?
-Have you had similar experiences? If so, provide examples.
-What kinds of statistics does Ehrenreich use to support her personal experiences?
-Has this book changed your views of poverty and low-wage workers? Explain your answers.
-Does Ehrenreich offer a workable solution to the problems facing the poor? Can you think of alternatives?
-Did you like this book? Should I assign it again? Explain your answers.