CLASSISM ISN'T CLASSY: EXPLORING SOCIO-ECONOMIC DIVERSITY

By Rita Rizzo, M.S., CMC

This case explores the socioeconomic differences among employees of a family-owned pool and spa contracting and supply store. The enterprise employs 53 workers; 20 skilled workers from the middle class, 30 unskilled workers from the poverty class, and the family of three who owns the store and who come from wealth class. Due to high employee turnover, customer service complaints, scheduling overruns, low morale, and frequent miscommunication, the company owners try to create more synergy and cooperation among the ranks. The case study will take three 50-minute classes to complete and is written for an undergraduate audience. Download both the instructor’s manual and the student workbook to conduct this case study.