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

Synopsis

"The Itching Palm: A Study of the Habit of Tipping in America" by William R. Scott is a social commentary and critique written in the early 20th century. The book examines the practice of tipping in the United States, analyzing it as a moral and economic issue that reflects a deeper societal problem. Through a detailed exploration of tipping's implications on personal dignity, economics, and class structure, Scott argues that this pervasive practice undermines the democratic ideals of equality and self-respect. The opening of the book outlines Scott's viewpoint that tipping is a detrimental habit tied to 'Flunkyism,' a term used to describe a servile attitude for monetary gain, which he believes is contrary to American democratic values. He presents striking statistics about the number of individuals in the U.S. dependent on gratuities for their income, suggesting that this system not only perpetuates inequality but also raises ethical concerns around self-respect. Scott argues that scrutiny of tipping is warranted and emphasizes the need to reconsider its moral implications within American society.