Seven dollars and twenty five cents: this is the minimum wage in the US today. A large handful of Americans are living off this hourly rate and it is very difficult. If one is paid on a minimum wage income and works a typical eight hour day, he or she will make about fifty dollars.
I feel as though Smith may be a “silent advocate” of the less monetarily fortunate. It seems as though Smith would at least be happy that a minimum wage law existed, to ensure that situations such as slavery did not occur again. In Smith’s section on wages of labor, he states “it is the workmen’s’ desire to get as much, and the masters to give as little as possible.” Through this quote, it seems as though he may be sympathizing with the indigent. He clearly pointed out that the workmen do not get paid in justly for their work.
Smith seems to hint that men should have money that they can use for purposes other than nourishment. He states that a lower class family should be able to earn more than what is necessary to live. It is possible to live on a minimum wage income, but at times it is very risky. Most Americans living on this salary typically do not have healthcare. Smith would most likely argue that this is vital and he even argues (as stated before) that workers should have a bit of money to set aside for leisure. Most Americans now cannot even afford healthcare, let alone funding for leisure activities. With that said, I don’t think he would be too pleased. It may have been easier to live on a fixed income such as the current minimum wage back in Smith’s day, but today it is very difficult. Millions of Americans come face to face with difficulties in paying rent, supporting their children and taking care of themselves.
No comments:
Post a Comment