'McJobs', Student Attitudes to Work and Employment Relations in the Fast-Food Industry
Abstract
Fast food is a major source of jobs for youth, and these jobs are often characterised as 'McJobs'--low-grade, unskilled, unpleasant and poorly paid. However, it has long been recognised that the technical and social relations of work can be complex and contradictory. This article reports on the results of a survey of university students working in fast food. Our research indicates that while some find aspects of fast-food work unpleasant, a significant proportion also have positive responses suggesting that fast-food jobs can be interesting and socially rewarding. The results may explain a conundrum whereby young people ...
View more >Fast food is a major source of jobs for youth, and these jobs are often characterised as 'McJobs'--low-grade, unskilled, unpleasant and poorly paid. However, it has long been recognised that the technical and social relations of work can be complex and contradictory. This article reports on the results of a survey of university students working in fast food. Our research indicates that while some find aspects of fast-food work unpleasant, a significant proportion also have positive responses suggesting that fast-food jobs can be interesting and socially rewarding. The results may explain a conundrum whereby young people perceive the positive social aspects of fast-food work as outweighing the negative factors, which are highlighted in some of the literature.
View less >
View more >Fast food is a major source of jobs for youth, and these jobs are often characterised as 'McJobs'--low-grade, unskilled, unpleasant and poorly paid. However, it has long been recognised that the technical and social relations of work can be complex and contradictory. This article reports on the results of a survey of university students working in fast food. Our research indicates that while some find aspects of fast-food work unpleasant, a significant proportion also have positive responses suggesting that fast-food jobs can be interesting and socially rewarding. The results may explain a conundrum whereby young people perceive the positive social aspects of fast-food work as outweighing the negative factors, which are highlighted in some of the literature.
View less >
Journal Title
Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Volume
12
Issue
1
Copyright Statement
© 2005 Australian Academic Press : Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher : This journal is available online - use hypertext links.
Subject
Commercial Services
Tourism