Ann Claire Johnson

Advanced Reporting and Data Analysis

Blog Post 1.23.18

1) Nickel & Dimed: Ehrenreich provides a roadmap for how to write about the working poor. I want you to describe some of the issues she has to confront as she moves into this new life – housing, transportation, food and so forth.

On page 38 of Nickel & Dimed, Ehrenreich talks about her decision to move closer to Key West. “First, because of the drive. Second and third, also because of the drive: gas is eating up $4-$5 a day, and although Jerry’s is as high-volume as you can get, the tips average only 10 percent, and not just for a newbie like me. Between the base pay of $2.15 an hour and the obligation to share tips with the busboys and dishwashers, we’re averaging only about $7.50 an hour.” Throughout the entire Introduction and chapter 1 she makes note of every dollar she spends and makes. This helps her audience gain insight into what it is like being classified as a working, poor person.

2) Based on this reading, begin to develop questions for interview subjects about their experience in the low-wage labor force. Include ideas of where you would go and contact people for our stories.

1. One question I would ask is, when do they make the decision to sacrifice one necessity or want for another?
2. How much does the order of your necessities change by priority when you have children or a significant other?
3. What are the little things that you save on or sacrifice that make a difference for your every day budget?
4. Is it hard to refrain from treating yourself or do you just block out the option of ever living out of your means?
5. If you had all the money in the world, what would be the first thing you spent it on?

Benton had the highest median household income at $59,016 and Lee county had the lowest with $25,724.