Cheap The High Cost of Discount Culture

I checked out a book from my library yesterday titled "Cheap The High Cost of Discount Culture" by Ellen Ruppel Shell. I read the intro and most of the first chapter and can't wait to delve deeper into this book. The author traces Americans role as citizens and consumer and how the desire for a bargain has changed the shape of our whole culture. Craftsmanship was once prized but now everything is either cheap or unobtainable luxury the are is no middle ground. The author also states that there would be no cheap with out China and explains the Chinese word heixin or "small black hearted ones" this is what the Chinese call those who make, sell,and profit from substandard and counterfeit goods.
I find this interesting because I grew up with a mom who coupons and still loves a good bargain and a dad who bought me a pair Clark's shoes that are falling apart after six long years of wear. I struggle with getting a good deal verses quality. My bargain today a pair of summer PJ's marked down at Walmart from $12 to $1 and made in Indonesia. What was the cost to the factory worker who made them, to ship them from Indonesia to America, to get them from the ship into my local Walmart super center? I think it was more than a dollar.