The Itching Palm: A Study of the Habit of Tipping in America

About this book

In an era marked by rapid industrialization and shifting social norms, "The Itching Palm: A Study of the Habit of Tipping in America" by William R. Scott delves into the complexities surrounding the practice of tipping. This incisive work critiques tipping as both a moral quandary and an economic necessity, revealing how it perpetuates inequality and affects labor dynamics. Scott's exploration of the social contract and its implications for unspoken expectations challenges readers to reconsider the ethics of gratuity in American society. Ideal for students, civic activists, and historians alike, this thought-provoking analysis invites a reevaluation of a custom often taken for granted, urging a deeper understanding of its societal impact.