Meaning: Rose Schneiderman, an influential activist, encapsulates the struggle of many workers in the early 20th century with her quote, "By working hard we could make an average of about $5 a week. We would have made more but had to provide our own machines, which cost us $45, we paying for them on the installment plan. We paid $5 down and $1 a month after that." This quote sheds light on the economic challenges faced by workers during that time, particularly in the context of industrialization and the labor movement.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, industrialization brought about significant changes in the workplace. The rise of factories and mass production led to the increasing mechanization of tasks, which required workers to operate machines to produce goods. However, as Schneiderman's quote indicates, many workers were required to provide their own machines, which imposed a financial burden on them. This practice was a common feature of the "putting-out system" or "outwork," where workers were expected to work from home or small workshops using their own tools and equipment.

The financial implications of having to purchase their own machines are evident in Schneiderman's statement that they could only make an average of about $5 a week, despite working hard. This highlights the disparity between the labor input and the financial returns for the workers, as they were constrained by the costs associated with acquiring the necessary equipment for their work. The fact that the machines cost $45, and the workers had to pay for them on an installment plan, further emphasizes the economic challenges they faced.

Schneiderman's mention of paying $5 down and $1 a month after that illustrates the financial strain on the workers, as they had to allocate a portion of their earnings to cover the installment payments for the machines. This situation perpetuated a cycle of economic struggle, as a significant portion of their income went towards the repayment of the equipment they needed to perform their work. The installment plan served as a form of financial entrapment, limiting the workers' ability to improve their economic circumstances and perpetuating a cycle of poverty.

In addition to the economic hardships, the workers' reliance on installment plans also reflects the broader issue of financial insecurity and limited access to resources. The inability to afford the upfront cost of the machines forced the workers into a situation where they had to enter into installment agreements, which often resulted in them paying more in the long run due to interest or additional fees.

Furthermore, Schneiderman's quote sheds light on the broader socio-economic dynamics of the time, revealing the unequal power dynamics between the workers and the employers. The requirement for workers to provide their own machines shifted the financial burden onto the workers, as they had to invest in the tools necessary for their employment. This aspect of the labor arrangement placed the workers at a disadvantage, as they were responsible for bearing the costs associated with their work, while the employers benefited from the increased productivity and output facilitated by the machinery.

Overall, Rose Schneiderman's quote offers a poignant reflection on the economic challenges faced by workers during the industrialization period. It underscores the financial constraints, unequal power dynamics, and broader socio-economic implications of the labor arrangements at the time. By highlighting the impact of having to provide their own machines and the associated financial burden, Schneiderman's words serve as a reminder of the complex realities and struggles experienced by workers in the early 20th century.