Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America

Why does Holly think all of her clients are wealthy? Does Barbara agree? Why or why not

Chapter 2, part 3

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Holly believes that if clients can afford to have their homes cleaned.... they're wealthy.

I asked Holly, my team leader of the day, whether the next house on our list was "wealthy." Her answer: "If we're cleaning their house, they're wealthy."

From the text, we can infer that Barbara does not agree, as she cites clients whose homes are clearly overcrowded, which she says is a sign of financial impairment.

But class is a relative thing. Once, after polishing up two houses in which the number of occupants clearly exceeded the number of bathrooms-an unmistakable sign of financial impairment, along with the presence of teddy bears in decorative roles.

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Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America