Cost of Living Among Wage-Earners

The Cost of Living Among Wage-Earners: Fall River, Massachusetts, October, 1919 (Research Report Number 22, November, 1919) is a comprehensive government study that meticulously examines the economic conditions faced by working-class families in Fall River, Massachusetts, in the aftermath of World War I. Compiled by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, this report provides an in-depth analysis of the expenses, incomes, and living standards of wage-earning households during a period marked by rapid industrial change and inflation. Drawing on detailed surveys and firsthand accounts, the book presents statistical data on family budgets, housing costs, food prices, clothing expenditures, and other essential living expenses. It explores the challenges faced by textile workers and their families, who formed the backbone of Fall River's economy, and highlights the struggle to maintain a decent standard of living amid rising costs and stagnant wages. The report also delves into the social and economic factors influencing family life, such as employment patterns, household composition, and the impact of economic pressures on women and children. Through tables, charts, and narrative analysis, the book offers a vivid snapshot of daily life in an American industrial city at a pivotal moment in history. It serves as a valuable resource for historians, economists, and anyone interested in the social history of labor, providing insights into the realities of working-class existence and the broader economic forces shaping early twentieth-century America.