The Downside of Working in Fast-Food

  

     Amitai Etzioni’s “ Working at McDonalds” (1986) argues that fast food jobs interfere with school involvement, teaches little educational skills, and distorts teens values. The author develops this argument by using examples, statistics, and case studies to provide solid evidence that supports his claims. Etzioni writes this article in order to inform the audience about the negative impact that working in fast food can have on teenagers. The author writes too large audience of high school students who may be looking into the fast food industry. But also parents who might be pushing their kids to get a job. 
     My reaction to first reading this piece was curiosity. When I read the title, I wondered what aspect of McDonalds was the author going to talk about. After reading the passage, I can both agree and disagree with the author. I can see the point of view the author was coming from on how working at McDonalds does not benefit students as much as learning a trade or apprenticeship. However, the paper was published in 1986, and learning trades today isn't really common, so that's why working at McDonalds today isn't that bad.
     The author uses statistics about teenagers to explain how not only McDonald's but many part-time fast-food jobs are taking the focus away from their education and towards making "a quick buck". Eztioni states, "It must be seen, though, together with the finding that many who begin as part-time employees in fast-food chains drop out of high school and are gobbled up in the world of low-skill jobs"(Etzioni par 9). He pushes the fact that these part-time jobs are distracting teenage students from their education, which leads to a lack of real-life skills. He equates that part-time jobs at fast-food are helpful to, "provide income, work, and even some training to such youngsters, they also tend to perpetuate their disadvantaged status. They provide no career ladders, few marketable skills, and undermine school attendance and involvement"(Etzioni par 10).  Meanwhile, he encourages the outlook of pursuing "credits in calculus courses, European history, or foreign languages"(Etzioni par 19). Knowing if you follow this concept, that these things will bring a wide array of pathways up your career ladder.







Works Cited 


Etzioni, Amitai. “ Working at McDonald’s.”  The Miami Herald, August 24, 1986. Launchpad

Solo for Readers and Writers, 2017. Macmillan Education. macmillianhighered.com

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