White-collar worker

White-collar worker refers to a person who performs professional, managerial, or administrative work, in contrast to a blue-collar worker, who does manual work. The term "white-collar worker" was coined in the early 20th century, and comes from the fact that these workers would typically wear a shirt with a white collar for their job.

History

The term "white-collar worker" originated in the United States in the 1920s, where it was used to describe workers whose jobs were performed in a more comfortable setting than those of blue-collar workers. These jobs were typically associated with higher social status and higher pay, although this is not always the case today.

Characteristics

White-collar workers are often associated with office settings, where they may work in roles such as management, professional occupations, and clerical or administrative positions. They may also work in fields such as education, healthcare, and public administration. These jobs typically require a higher level of education than blue-collar jobs, and may also require specific professional qualifications.

Impact on society

The rise of the white-collar worker has had a significant impact on society. It has led to changes in areas such as social class, work-life balance, and the economy. For example, the growth of white-collar jobs has contributed to the rise of the middle class. At the same time, it has also led to increased stress and longer work hours for some workers.

See also

• Blue-collar worker
• Pink-collar worker
• Knowledge worker