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Ability Quote by Barbara Ehrenreich

“When someone works for less pay than she can live on - when, for example, she goes hungry so that you can eat more cheaply and conveniently - then she has made a great sacrifice for you, she has made you a gift of some part of her abilities, her health, and her life.” quote by Barbara Ehrenreich
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“When someone works for less pay than she can live on - when, for example, she goes hungry so that you can eat more cheaply and conveniently - then she has made a great sacrifice for you, she has made you a gift of some part of her abilities, her health, and her life.”

Barbara Ehrenreich

About This Quote

Source Book: Nickel and Dimed, Barbara Ehrenreich, 2001

Exploiting low-paid workers forces them into hardship, treating their health and life as a cheap gift to others.

In simple terms: Cheap labor harms workers' wellbeing.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and value fair compensation.

Themes

exploitation economics health ethics

Mood

concerned reflective

Type

social ethical

When to use this quote

  • workplace policies
  • consumer choices
  • government regulation
  • activism

Key Concepts

labor rights social justice human dignity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does your consumption depend on others' sacrifices?
  • What can you do to support fair wages?
A Different Perspective

Systemic inequality often masks true costs to society.

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