Adolescents and conceptions of social relations in the workplace

This study examined the relationship between social class and adolescents' conceptions of social relations in the workplace. Forty female adolescent, non-managerial employees who work part-time at McDonald's restaurants were interviewed. Two groups were formed: one middle-class group (n = 20) and another working-class group (n = 20). Results indicated that middle-class respondents were more apt to seek positive, affective ties with managers whereas working-class respondents were more apt to be critical of or to maintain emotional distance from managers. In addition, middle-class respondents more often viewed managers as allies whereas working-class respondents more often emphasized resistance to managers or endurance in coping with work-place grievances. No significant differences were found in relations with co-workers.