A Living Wage: American Workers and the Making of Consumer Society

by Lawrence B. Glickman

The fight for a "living wage" has a long and revealing history as documented here by Lawrence B. Glickman. The labor movement's response to wages shows how American workers negotiated the transition from artisan to consumer, opening up new political possibilities for organized workers and creating contradictions that continue to haunt the labor movement today.Nineteenth-century workers hoped to become self-employed artisans, rather than permanent "wage slaves." After the Civil War, however, unions redefined working-class identity in consumerist terms, and demanded a wage that would reward workers commensurate with their needs as consumers. This consumerist turn in labor ideology also led workers to struggle for shorter hours and union labels.First articulated in the 1870s, the demand for a living wage was voiced increasingly by labor leaders and reformers at the turn of the century. Glickman explores the racial, ethnic, and gender implications, as white male workers defined themselves in contrast to African Americans, women, Asians, and recent European immigrants. He shows how a historical perspective on the concept of a living wage can inform our understanding of current controversies.

Genres: Labor, History, Nonfiction, American History

240 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1997

Reviews

[Tim]

There is a history to today's debates about universal basic income and the $15/hour minimum wage. Glickman traces that history, working in the time period between 1870-1930, following the movements of political and economic discourse from "wage slavery" to the "living wage" to the "minimum wage." Weaving together threads of class consciousness, citizenship, race and slavery, prostitution, the union label, and the "American Standard of Living," Glickman presents a nuanced narrative revealing a multi-faceted process by which the system of wage labor secured its cultural hegemony. An insightful read for those interested in labor history and consumption in America.

[Morgan Kenny]

I had to read this book for class but I really enjoyed it. it is a lovely job of looking at how expectations of work collide with expectations of gender, race, and the idea of an American Standard of Living developed.

[Paul]

A Living Wage traces the historical path American workers took from independent producers of goods to "wage" earners. The process was not necessarily a willing one on the part of workers who were skeptical of the transition.

Eventually, resistance gave way to acceptance, and labor became conscious of the power that purchasing choices presented. Additionally, they realized the importance of fighting for a wage that allowed a comfortable life for their families.

Predictably, business, labor, and government all had their own idea of fair wages for fair work. The opposing viewpoints are covered thoroughly and in an unbiased way. Altogether, this book is a concise overview of an important topic. It is perfect for those that want to know the historical thought process behind the idea of a living wage.

[Ed]

See review at http://edsteffes.me/2015/02/09/a-livi...