blue-collar / pink-collar
Last updatedWhat to know
Blue collar refers to a working-class job or occupation that has historically been associated with manual labor, particularly related to industrial and manufacturing work (blue references the color of denim uniforms). The term is often associated with lower educational attainment and an hourly pay rather than salary, though that is not always accurate to the profession being described. Some consider these terms outdated because of past stereotypes associated with manual labor (low pay, physically demanding work). Phrases such as “industrial worker,” “industrial artisan,” or “factory worker,” or specifying the profession, may be clearer.
Pink-collar refers to labor associated with domestic and care-oriented careers and largely associated with women. Examples may include nursing home attendants, home care workers, social work, and child care. In addition, the term may refer to the historical marginalization of women’s work and is associated with the “sticky floor,” meaning discriminatory hiring patterns that keep certain workers (who often hold pink-collar jobs) at the bottom of the income and employment ladder. The “sticky floor” concept is related to the “glass ceiling,” which refers to an artificial barrier that prevents people, often women and those from historically underserved populations, from advancing to the highest levels in their profession.
If using these terms, it’s helpful to clarify how they’re being defined — if explaining a study, you might include a description of the metrics used to categorize people, for instance.
Additional resources
- Blue-Collar Work, Career, and Success (University of Nebraska)
- Is the Blue-Collar Shirt Still Blue Collar? (New York Times)
- Education and Job Attitudes among Blue-Collar Workers (Work and Occupation)
- Is the Term Blue Collar Outdated? (Industry Week)
- What Does Blue-Collar Mean? (Indeed)
- Working Man’s Blues: Why do we call manual laborers blue collar (Slate)
- Meaningful work: differences among blue-, pink-, and white-collar occupations (Career Development International)
- Turning Up the Pink Collar (New York Times)
Summary
Blue-collar refers to a working-class job or occupation that typically focuses on manual labor. Some consider these terms outdated because of past stereotypes associated with manual labor. Phrases such as “industrial worker,” “industrial artisan,” or “factory worker,” or specifying the profession, may be clearer. Pink-collar refers to labor associated with domestic and care-oriented careers and largely associated with women. If using these terms, it’s helpful to clarify how they’re being defined — if explaining a study, you might include a description of the metrics used to categorize people, for instance.