The labor movement's response to wages shows how American workers negotiated the transition from artisan to consumer, opening up new political possibilities for organized workers and creating contradictions that continue to haunt the labor movement today.

In 'Consumers and Wage-Earners: The Ethics of Buying Cheap,' J. Elliot Ross provides a penetrating examination of the moral implications inherent in our buying habits. This critical work takes aim at the relationship between consumer behavior and the impact it has on the labor market, particularly in the context of low-wage workers. Ross's lucid prose interrogates the ethical dimensions of purchasing decisions, offering a thought-provoking analysis within the broader literary context of economic philosophy. This treatise weaves historical perspectives with contemporary case studies, creating a tapestry of intellectual inquiry underscored by moral urgency. J. Elliot Ross is a scholar whose work converges at the crossroads of commerce, ethics, and social responsibility. His keen insight into the market's invisible hand and its manipulation of both consumer appetites and worker livelihoods has been informed by years of academic research and practical observation. Through this book, Ross endeavors to shed light on the often-overlooked consequences of frugality, urging readers to consider the broader human cost of economic convenience and advocating for a new ethical consumerism. 'Retail' does not exist in a moral vacuum, and Ross's 'Consumers and Wage-Earners: The Ethics of Buying Cheap' implores readers to confront this uncomfortable truth. It is a must-read for economists, ethicists, and anyone interested in the labor market or consumer culture. Ross's poignant critique serves as both a caution and a call to action, making this book an essential addition to the libraries of thoughtful and conscientious individuals seeking to navigate the complexities of modern-day capitalism with integrity and awareness.