| I performed an ethnographic case study at a Midwestern plant and analyzed the small group behavior of working class white men. I made historical and empirical connections between globalization, working class status and social class consciousness.; A core group of seven working class white men constituted the small group under analysis. I observed their behavior with one another and with a regular stream of people in their lives; white and black temporary workers, managers and women. There were a total of 45 individuals indicated by this project. I supplemented notes from participation and observation with semi-structured interviews.; The findings reveal the impact of globalization and restructuring on how the core white workers manage themselves and negotiate with other people in their lives. I conclude that the white workers in this case study work to separate their daily lives from the oversight of managers. In this process, they create a culture revolving around pride and humility that makes this possible. The culture constitutes an informal work arrangement and means of self and other regulation. This informal work culture, in turn, separates them from other blue-collar workers who are incompatible with their marginal norms and values.; The dissertation explains some facets of estrangement between people in the working class. |
