How Does the Retail Clerk Make Sense of His Environment

Author

Tyler L. Watson, Indiana State University

Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2001

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Sociology

Abstract

The retail clerk is a common feature of today's society. However, the role of the retail clerk has been largely overlooked from the sociological perspective. More precisely from the ethnomethodological perspective. Currently most of the body of research on the retail clerk is from the business perspective and sheds little light on what it is like to be a retail clerk. This study was designed to gain access to the other side of the retail scene, that is, the side of the retail clerk. Most Americans are already familiar with the store but do not know how things are experienced from the other side. The researcher gained employment at a local department store in the mall and assumed the role of the retail clerk. From within this role from an ethnomethodological perspective, how the retail clerk examines his or her subjective environment was then studied. It was found that most clerks are paid little and that this is reflected in their satisfaction and commitment to the job. Anxiety in regard to the ambiguity of responsibilities was also found to be relatively common. The scene was found to be more complex than observed from the customer side of the environment as viewed from the role of the clerk. The conclusion is explored regarding how the retail clerk make sense and possible future research directions are discussed.

Recommended Citation

Watson, Tyler L., "How Does the Retail Clerk Make Sense of His Environment" (2001). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3766.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/3766