Want to Move Up In Social Class? Get Out of HR
Posted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 by Frank RocheI was looking at this interactive graphic in the NYT titled How Class Works. It summarizes the four elements that comprise social class in America: occupation, education, income and wealth.
Check out the first column and enter “Human Resources,” which is under the “Management” heading. Yeah, HR is viewed as less prestigious than “Ranch Hand,” “Food Service,” and “Funeral Directors.” Which is why at neighborhood barbecues, I often tell people that I’m a garbage man. It’s a lot easier than explaining what HR organizational communication is all about.
Ron Ulrici
Aug 20th, 2008
Another good one, Frank.
And, in two other categories (income and wealth), I would bet that here in California, the garbage man makes more than the average HR professional.
When I tell people that I’m in HR, they just give me a blank stare. I’m glad that I also teach at a private college – that seems to impress them when I tell them that I’m a college teacher. However, the garbage man (and there is one in my social circle) just smerks as he drives away in his new truck pulling his new boat.
Totally Consumed
Aug 20th, 2008
If you select Business and then HR (instead of Management and then HR), Human Resources gets a slightly higher score.
Not sure why “HR Managers” are a lower class than “HR Professionals” though.
Strahan
Aug 26th, 2008
I clicked “Friend of Frank” and scored a 94.
Frank
Aug 26th, 2008
That made my day. FOB has been one that's sustained me for a long while. I like that.
Frank
Aug 26th, 2008
I dunno…funny test, though. No one likes managers.
Strahan
Aug 26th, 2008
I clicked “Friend of Frank” and scored a 94.
Frank
Aug 26th, 2008
That made my day. FOB has been one that's sustained me for a long while. I like that.
Frank
Aug 26th, 2008
I dunno…funny test, though. No one likes managers.