WHITE COLLAR Meaning and
Definition
-
White collar refers to a class of workers employed in professional or administrative occupations, typically characterized by office work and a higher level of education. The term "white collar" emerged in the early 20th century as a contrast to "blue collar," which described manual laborers. Unlike blue-collar workers, white-collar workers are typically engaged in non-physical tasks requiring mental and intellectual capacities, such as management, finance, marketing, law, or information technology.
White-collar jobs are often found in corporate settings, government or public administration, or various professional services. These positions typically require specialized knowledge, expertise, and professional qualifications, and are usually compensated with salaries rather than hourly wages.
White-collar workers are generally associated with a professional appearance that often includes office attire, such as suits, dress shirts, ties, or professional dresses. They frequently work in formal office environments, interacting with colleagues, clients, or customers in a professional manner.
The term "white collar" also carries connotations related to the level of prestige, status, and authority associated with certain professions. White-collar workers are often considered part of the managerial or administrative hierarchy within an organization, responsible for decision-making, strategizing, and overseeing operations.
Overall, the term "white collar" describes a distinct class of workers in the professional and administrative sectors, recognized for their cognitive skills, education, and role in guiding and managing various aspects of an organization's operations.
Common Misspellings for WHITE COLLAR
- whit-collar
- witecollar
- Wite coller
- Whit coller
- Wite colar
- Whyte coller
Etymology of WHITE COLLAR
The term "white collar" has its origins in the early 20th century, specifically in the United States. It was popularized by the sociologist and author, E. Digby Baltzell, in his book "The Protestant Establishment: Aristocracy and Caste in America" published in 1964. However, the concept can be traced back to an earlier time.
The term is a metaphorical reference to the type and color of clothing traditionally worn by office workers and professionals in contrast to the blue-collar workers who typically wore denim or other darker-colored clothing associated with manual labor.
Baltzell used the term "white collar" to describe members of the upper-middle and upper classes who were engaged in non-manual labor, primarily in professional, managerial, or administrative positions. These individuals were often well-educated, held white-collar jobs, and enjoyed a higher social status compared to blue-collar workers.
Similar spelling words for WHITE COLLAR
