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Working at McDonalds: some redeeming features of McJobs

Author

Listed:
  • Anthony M Gould

    (Laval University, Canada, Anthony.Gould@rlt.ulaval.ca)

Abstract

Within much critical research literature, fast-food jobs are presented as offering few employee advantages. Indeed the disparaging term ‘McJob’ has come to describe low-skill, low-pay, dead-end, routine service industry employment in general. In contrast, there is employer-oriented literature that portrays fast-food jobs more positively and even presents them as beneficial for the workforce. This study analyses survey data from a sample of Australian McDonald’s outlets to determine employee and employer experiences and attitudes towards these so-called McJobs. Findings indicate that employees view their jobs as consisting of repeatedly doing a limited range of non-complex tasks whereas managers perceive aspects of the job more positively. Evidence is presented that fast-food jobs offer human resource advantages, potential career opportunities and, for some, desirable forms of work organisation. These findings suggest that the current, dominant portrayal of McJobs is inaccurate, with the reality more nuanced.

Suggested Citation

  • Anthony M Gould, 2010. "Working at McDonalds: some redeeming features of McJobs," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 24(4), pages 780-802, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:24:y:2010:i:4:p:780-802
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017010380644
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    Cited by:

    1. Birken, Thomas & Dunkel, Wolfgang, 2013. "Dienstleistungsforschung und Dienstleistungspolitik: Eine Bestandsaufnahme internationaler Literatur zu 'service science' und 'service work'," Arbeitspapiere 282, Hans-Böckler-Stiftung, Düsseldorf.
    2. Haan, A. de, 2015. "Social inclusion and structural transformation: Concepts, measurements and trade-offs," MERIT Working Papers 2015-045, United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).

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