Yes, everything is bigger nowadays and the Joneses are still trying to stay ahead of the crowd. We have many hi-tech convieniences and fast food waistlines. But if average salaries are compared for affordability of lifestyle there's no question that labor has been devalued. I contend that the major factor in this devaluation has been the massive influx of women in the labor pool. The Law of Supply and Demand governs wage costs just like it does the cost of canned peas!
In listening to your explanation, I think we are on the same page, just looking from a different angle. You call it devaluing the wage, I call it inflation. We both feel the same thing caused it, but perhaps for different reasons. I feel prices went up due to the fact that there was disposable income, you seem to be saying that the value of a dollar decreased due to there being so many workers, is that correct? I think we are both shooting the same target