Assignment 6 Blue Collar

This week’s readings focus on different aspects of women working blue collar jobs. Many may think that if a woman has a blue collar job that it is a positive and progressive thing. There are many positives and negatives to working blue collar jobs, as these readings make us aware of. “Power Plays” by Burk is a great article to read to just become aware of the ways in which it is initially difficult for women to get into good jobs. She points out how research shows that overall people are more comfortable with others who look like them, which “in most corporate America, that still means white and male” (Burk 483). Because of white males traditionally having all leadership roles, it is difficult to drastically change that when they will continue to want to hire those who are like them into positions. Due companies attempting to display their initiative towards diversity, “…most companies have ‘diversity’ in management only to the extent that it does not threaten the traditional balance” (Burk 483). This is common because they don’t want to be labeled as being discriminatory, but I’m sure it is true that they strategically place these employees into positions that don’t threaten them at a higher level as a company. The part of the article that was a real eye opener was when they started to talk about the culture, values, and norms of those power elites and power groups in companies. The article brings to our attention how a CEO may bring a woman or minority to be part of a corporate board, but that may not help to increase the diversity equally on that board because for that individual to push to bring others like them on board would be looked down upon. Therefore, in these situations women and minorities are probably trying to conform as best as possible to the culture and values of the corporate board and not having the opportunity to help others do the same. This is probably an example of why women get to a certain level in their career and are less likely to help other women (Burk 484).

“Bitter Choices” by Rosen gives us a little more information on the benefits and risks of blue collar jobs, with a focus on factory type of jobs for women. In this article we learn about Maria and how she views the benefits of her job as being that she makes good money, and likes her boss and coworkers. The negative aspects are things such as not having time for the family as much as women would like, and having very hectic schedules with having to work certain hour shifts plus take on housewife duties like cooking and cleaning. Negatives within the job include risks of getting laid off, and destruction of unions. “…they see their already limited control at work diminish; as they see how difficult it may be in the future to earn the money they need to keep their families from poverty…” (Rosen 3). These women are trying to earn a living to maintain the family, even though they may be part of a dual-earning household. The risks they run at work of getting laid off, and not having very much union support threatens their financial contribution to the family.