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Some miners’ wives take in washing and make more money…

“Some miners’ wives take in washing and make more money than their husbands do. In every gold rush from this one to the Klondike, the suppliers and service industries will gather up the dust while ninety-nine per cent of the miners go home with empty pokes.” quote by John McPhee
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““Some miners’ wives take in washing and make more money than their husbands do. In every gold rush from this one to the Klondike, the suppliers and service industries will gather up the dust while ninety-nine per cent of the miners go home with empty pokes.””

John McPhee

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Women in gold rush economies often earned more than miners, showing service sectors thrive while most miners stay poor.

In simple terms: Women earned more than miners in gold rushes.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the value of supporting roles.

Themes

gender economics history labor inequality

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

observational historical sociological

When to use this quote

  • historical analysis
  • economic studies
  • gender studies

Key Concepts

capitalism resource extraction social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do service industries shape wealth distribution?
  • What modern parallels exist?
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