Getting By on the Minimum

First published in 2002. Jennifer Johnson profiles the real-life stories of more than sixty women who have no college education are married with kids and earn an average of $16000 per year giving us an important window into a large poorly understood segment of our society. Through the words of these women Johnson captures the essence of women's working-class experience: from job stagnation low self-esteem and social isolation to camaraderie among coworkers loyalty to one's roots and even pride in a job well done. This compassionately told book offers a captivating and emotional study of the difference class makes in women's lives as well as the problems restrictions and rewards common to all women.