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The financial status of the March sisters can be inferred through several references throughout the musical:

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  • Meg states that she hates being a governess and that she should be out "meeting eligible men."  This represents the prevailing economic culture of the time - that working-class women could only escape a life of labor by marrying well.

  • When Laurie is instructed to deliver the purloined tree to the Hummels, their house is described as having "broken shingles" - this is almost a physical representation of their status as "middle class" - they live between Mr. Laurence, who owns a lavish house with several trees and which features a piano, and the Hummels, who "have so little" and whose house needs repair.

  • After Jo arrives late for her job tending to Aunt March, she rebukes Jo by reminding her that even if she can't be rich, she can "marry well," and that marriage can give her "power" and a place in society.

  • Preparations for the ball have the girls bickering over who looks better, and whether proper dress will lead to attention from the right suitors.

$27.25 for Jo's Hair

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In order to ensure Marmee has enough money to visit their father in Washington, Jo sells her hair in town for $27.25.  How much is that, contextually?

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index (CPI), that $27.25 would be worth approximately $392 today.    For perspective, prices for common purchases around that time would be:​​

  • A pound of coffee:  $.92

  • A pound of butter:  $.21

  • One week of Room & board for a woman:  ~$2.00

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The 1860 census put the population at approximately 33 million people.  Typical wages were approximately $1/day for "laborers," while servants and the like could expect similar pay with room, board, and/or other accommodations provided for.

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