Cool Stores Bad Jobs

One of the outstanding aspects of the article is its emphasis on the need for kids from affluent backgrounds to become financially independent, and the benefits they associate with working in low-paying chain stores. This aspect is particularly mind-blowing because theoretically, such a category is least likely to take on jobs, especially such low paying jobs ( Besen-Cassino, 2013). The common notion is that children from high social statuses have everything they need supplied by their parents. Therefore, such a category of high schoolers is not likely to earn their keep. However, as the article observes, these children associate their jobs with the need to socialize with their friends since they work in joints that are popular with kids their age. The working teenagers get the avenue to be around their peers away from the watchful eyes of their parents. This aspect is relatable to me because I have a classmate who comes from a well-to-do family but works in the Starbucks store around the corner from our school. According to him, the work is the only time he is allowed to be out of the house unmonitored. 

Another point that the article addresses is the strategy adopted by chain stores in targeting the affluent young people to market their jobs. By having rich and famous kids in school working in these stores, the stores can create a picture of their jobs as being cool, desirable, and fashionable ( Besen-Cassino, 2013). This strategy is instrumental in ensuring the supply of a steady workforce since high school kids readily line up to get hired. I have seen this aspect come into play in our community when one of the rich kids got a part-time job at KFC. Most of our peers developed the mentality that working in such fast-food restaurants is a fancy experience. In the following month, most kids in the community had looked for employment in such chain stores so that they would look equally cool. 

References 

Besen-Cassino, Y. (2013). Cool stores bad jobs.  Contexts ,  12 (4), 42-47.