[robryan]

At a most basic level over the period relative wages for the poor haven't moved a lot but the absolute basics such as food and clothing prices have come down a heap.

[bluedanieru]

What proportion of a person's wage does he spend on e.g. entertainment vs. food and clothing now compared to 40 years ago?

[hammock]

Food 2009: 13% of total expenditure, compared to 15% in 1984

http://www.bls.gov/cex/csxstnd.htm#1984