Economic fact in literary fiction
Planet Money
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Pachinko as a Metaphor for Life
Pachinko, a game originating in Japan, served as a means for Korean immigrants to earn money when they were marginalized in the formal economy. The game's fixed nature became a metaphor for life, with a lot of external influence affecting outcomes. Despite facing racial discrimination, the immigrants found a way to rise above poverty through stigmatized jobs. The essence of the book lies in the idea that individuals have to navigate the game presented to them, not the one they desire. This concept also applies to the perception of work in the US, challenging the notion of a meritocratic labor market.
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