Up until the late 80's one wage earner could support thier family in much the same way as it takes two wage earners today. So is our standard of living based on all the junk we by or by being able to work and be able to afford to have someone else raise our kids?
2006-06-23 17:59:46 · 11 answers · asked by Birddog 1 in Social Science ➔ Sociology
I equate standard of living with many things, including the quality of life experienced. Is the housing/food/clothing adequate? Is the family communicating? Or is the time with children being sacrificed for the new car payment or the bigger house payment? Everyone has their own idea of "happiness". I personally feel fulfilled raising my children and not working to death. Our house is moderate, sure I could get jobs that pay more and get a bigger house, but the flexibility of my work makes it a perfect job,
2006-06-23 18:24:17 · answer #1 · answered by gatorgirl4 1 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I would say that both the U.S. and Canadian standards of living are going in the same direction.
No, it is very difficult to raise a family on one income, unless the single income earner made over a certain amount of money that would cover all necessities, which here in Ontario, is over $60,000 a year (which is about the top 15% of all jobs).
No, I don't think both parents work to buy unnecessary luxuries. Right now, I am the only wage earner and we are going without a lot of NECESSITIES since my husband lost his job and cutting back is not really much of an option, unless I start to ask people if they would rather I pay the hydro bill or get a week's worth of groceries? Prices have gone right up.
It seems nobody can really have a comfortable life other than those with higher paid secure jobs; meanwhile, more and more people are stuck with low-paid, no-benefits, contract or short-term jobs that offer little chance of growth.
2006-06-24 03:59:27 · answer #2 · answered by Angela B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually it's NOT us that thinks our standard of living is good...it's everyone else. When ever you ask people in America they will always tell you that there is so much more that they need and that it's hard to get by...hence they whole 2 wage earners now. Other people look at the way we live and want to emulate it- saying that it's a standard to achieve.
On the other hand Americans are probably the most UNHAPPY people in the world...well maybe the Japanese too. But we have steadily replaced human interaction and caring with glass/ walls/ and electronic company. I mean how desperate do you have to be to actually buy an electronic pet??
2006-06-24 01:08:40 · answer #3 · answered by Shiningami_Gurl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that we are fortunate to have the resources available to each of us and at our fingertips enabling us to do just about anything that we desire. We are also able to drive to the local super mall to obtain most everything essential (and/or non-essential) to sustain or enhance our lives. When I was growing up in the sixties, my parents worked REALLY hard and provided our family (7 kids) with many things that we as americans take for granted...but their wages were comparable to interest rates, food prices, gas prices etc......We as human beings, feel that our lives would be better if we could just obtain "more", but many other countries do not have the resources or facilities that are available to us that we sometimes don't even think twice about.
2006-06-24 01:19:22 · answer #4 · answered by lydlykarug 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who said our standard of living was good?
I think we are only saying it's better than the other countries
2006-06-24 09:24:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Compared to so many other companies America has a lot higher standard of living. Our poverty percentage is lower and our homeless and undernourished percentages are also much lower.
2006-06-24 01:29:15 · answer #6 · answered by twinlady2000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not everyone has comfortable income. It all depends on the state, wage and one's endeavour for living better.
2006-06-24 07:10:13 · answer #7 · answered by Greeneyed 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think im livin good compared to poor people in third world countries. i have a sizeable roof over my head and usually can eat three meals a day. i have clothes and sanitary water to drink. i can go to the doctor and get medical treatment if i need to. i can occasionally spend money on going to to dinner or going to a movie.
2006-06-24 01:06:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Compared to the majority of third world countries, our lowest class citizens live better than them.
2006-06-24 01:03:50 · answer #9 · answered by Marky-Mark! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not all Americans.
2006-06-24 01:04:21 · answer #10 · answered by robert p 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋