After completing Nickel and Dimeda few questions have come to mind. I believe that Eherenreich is attempting to point out the low wages many employers pay in human service professions. I have worked in every type of position described in the book, Wal-Mart included,except for a nursing home, and I understand first hand the demands of these type professions. I just wonder what Eherenreich felt a fair wage would be? Keeping in mind that each of these businesses must make enough to stay in business and pay their employees. Maybe some of the business people in the class can break this down for me. The other issue was the cost of housing. How do we regulate housing costs or can we?

These are tough questions to address without lengthy dialog maybe that is why nobody has yet. I started to try, but then realized it would go on and on. Why don't you bring this up in class for group discussion..... Housing is big problem all of its own as Nickel and Dimed clearly points out.