You might want to re-read the history of Ford's famous "$5 per DAY...not hour" program.  Here's just a highlight. "The $5-a-day rate was about half pay and half bonus. The bonus came with character requirements and was enforced by the Socialization Organization. This was a committee that would visit the employees' homes to ensure that they were doing things the "American way." They were supposed to avoid social ills such as gambling and drinking. They were to learn English, and many (primarily the recent immigrants) had to attend classes to become "Americanized." Women were not eligible for the bonus unless they were single and supporting the family. Also, men were not eligible if their wives worked "  Here's the link to the Forbes story: https://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2012/03/04/the-story-of-henry-fords-5-a-day-wages-its-not-what-you-think/#d6e1e71766d2  

You're reciting a myth.....just like the myth of Trickle Down economics.  Gary Crum