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

By William R. Scott
Listen with Sir Michael Caine™ and 1,000+ voices
Length2h 18m

About this audiobook

In "The Itching Palm: A Study of the Habit of Tipping in America," William R. Scott delves into the intricate social, economic, and cultural dimensions of tipping in the United States. Combining sociological analysis and historical context, Scott navigates the evolution of tipping practices, examining their roots in European customs and their transformation within American society. His literary style is both engaging and rigorous, blending anecdotal evidence with empirical research, allowing readers to grasp the multifaceted nature of this ubiquitous practice. The book challenges prevailing assumptions about tipping as mere gratuity, framing it instead as a reflection of broader social hierarchies and human interactions. William R. Scott, a noted scholar in American sociology and culture, draws upon his extensive background in social customs to explore the motivations behind tipping. His interdisciplinary approach illuminates the nuances of economic behavior, offering insight into how tipping reflects societal values, class distinctions, and customer-service dynamics. Scott's research reflects a lifetime of inquiry into American habits and rituals, making this work a key contribution to understanding contemporary social practices. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the sociology of everyday life, cultural studies, or American history. Whether you are a casual reader or a serious scholar, Scott's penetrating insights will provoke thought and discussion about a seemingly trivial yet significant aspect of human behavior. "The Itching Palm" not only informs but also challenges readers to reconsider the complexities embedded in the practice of tipping.

Audiobook details

Rating★★★★ 3.8 (19)
Includes Amazon, Goodreads
GenrePsychology
Length2 hrs 18 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateSep 15, 2022
LanguageEnglish

Table of contents

1HOTEL FEES
26A SOUND CODE
2TIP—OR BE INSULTED
27FOR THE BENEFIT OF GUESTS
3HOW THE BOOKS HELP
28NOT HOSPITALITY
4IN PRIVATE HOUSES
29UP TO THE EMPLOYER
5ON OCEAN VOYAGES
30THE FIRST STEP
Mostrar todos os capítulos
6THE "RICH AMERICAN" MYTH
31THE GUEST'S RIGHTS
7COMIC WOES
32WHAT THE PULLMAN MANAGER SAID
8TIPS IN THE MOVIES
33WHAT THE PORTERS SAID
9IMPRESSING THE YOUNG
34SERVICE INCLUDED
10THE SORE SPOT
35WHAT THE PRESS SAID
11THE MARTYR
36FREE AND EQUAL
12BAGGAGEMEN
37EQUALITY AND UNIFORMITY
13BOOTBLACKS
38MISGUIDED GENEROSITY
14BARBER SHOP PORTERS
39THE GOLDEN RULE
15DOOR MEN
40GOVERNMENT HOTELS
16GUIDES
41CUSTOM ABOVE LAW
17HATBOYS
42THE IOWA LAW
18JANITORS
43THE WISCONSIN BILL
19MANICURISTS
44THE COURTS AND TIPPING
20MESSENGERS
45THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW
21STENOGRAPHERS
46THE IDEAL LAW
22THREE KINDS OF EMPLOYERS
47THE NEBRASKA ACT
23SELLING THE TIP PRIVILEGE
48THE TENNESSEE LAW
24ARE YOU A BENEFACTOR?
49THE ILLINOIS COMPROMISE
25A REASONABLE SOLUTION
50LEGALIZED ROBBERY
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