essay question

Read the article. Then answer each of these questions briefly – about 5 to 6 lines for each question approx.

1. How have your perceptions of blue-collar Americans been transformed or reinforced by Nickel and Dimed, if at all ? Have your notions of poverty and prosperity changed since reading the extract?

2. Many of Ehrenreich’s colleagues relied heavily on support from family, for example, childcare and housing. Do you think Americans make excessive demands on the family unit rather than calling for the government to help those in need?

3. Nickel and Dimed takes place in 1998-2000, a time of unprecedented prosperity in America. Given the economic woes facing our country currently, do you think Ehrenreich’s experience would be different/worse/better in today’s economy? How so?