Should we end the practice of tipping in the US?

You decide!

Puzzle Games

Background

Tipping is an extremely common practice across the United States, especially for services such as restaurants, food delivery, haircuts and cab rides. Yet, many other countries across the world don’t practice tipping at nearly the same levels as the US. Is tipping beneficial to US society, or could it actually be harmful?

Check out the maps below to make up your own mind!

Discussion Questions

1. In your opinion, does tipping motivate employees to provide better service?
2. Does the fact that tipping is an arbitrary practice impact your decision on whether or not it should be continued?
3. Does the discriminatory origin story of tipping in the United States affect whether or not we should continue the practice?
4. Is it more just for consumers to choose how much to tip or for there to be a set amount – and why?