Everybody's Business Is Nobody's Business / Or, Private Abuses, Public Grievances; Exemplified in the Pride, Insolence, and Exorbitant Wages of Our Women, Servants, Footmen, &c.

By Daniel Defoe

Summary of Everybody's Business Is Nobody's Business / Or, Private Abuses, Public Grievances; Exemplified in the Pride, Insolence, and Exorbitant Wages of Our Women, Servants, Footmen, &c.

The book discusses the social issues of the time, specifically the problems caused by the rising insolence and extravagance of servant-wenches, who have become too prideful and demanding. The author argues that this has led to negative consequences such as the corruption of youth, idleness, thievery, and excessive household expenses. To address these issues, the author proposes several solutions, including regulating servant wages and apparel, incentivizing diligent servants, and providing employment opportunities for vagrants, such as in industries like wool-combing or agriculture. The author also advocates for the regulation of watermen and the appointment of licensed shoe-cleaners and porters to maintain order and decency in the streets. Overall, the book highlights the need for social reform and regulation to restore the traditional social order and address the various problems caused by the changing behaviors and expectations of servant-wenches and other groups.