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Abstract

Due to discrimination, waiters are less likely to provide good customer service to their black dinners solely based on the assumption that they are poor tippers. The theory of discrimination is the foundation of this observational study where attentiveness is measured to reflect waiters’ avoidance of African American diners. Assuming waiters start with their preconceived notions about Black customers, this research will use the critical race theory to determine if waiters are less attentive to African American diners. To further understand the subtle discriminatory behavior of waiters toward African Americans, this study analyzes observational data from a sample of waiters (N=40). Findings reveal a subtle difference in attentiveness between races and a higher frequency of waiters’ interaction with White diners compared to African American diners. The study contributes to our understanding of social context of discrimination and the experiences of African Americans in restaurants.

Publication Date

2016

Subject Major(s)

African American Studies

Keywords

tip, discrimination, racism, restaurant, attentiveness, behavior

Disciplines

African Languages and Societies | Arts and Humanities | Business | Food and Beverage Management | Psychology | Social Psychology

Current Academic Year

Senior

Faculty Advisor/Mentor

Vivian Dzokoto

Rights

© The Author(s)

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