What aspect of fast food does Schlosser criticize regarding its economic impact?

What aspect of fast food does Schlosser criticize regarding its economic impact?

• A. Its ability to create jobs in local communities
• B. Its role in increasing the cost of traditional foods
• C. Its overall contribution to economic growth in urban centers
• D. Its focus on high-volume, low-cost production methods

Answer: (D)

Schlosser’s criticism of fast food's economic impact focuses significantly on the industry's emphasis on high-volume, low-cost production methods. This approach prioritizes efficiency and cost reduction over quality and sustainability, contributing to a race to the bottom in terms of food quality and labor conditions. By promoting mass production, fast food chains often lead to the consolidation of agricultural production, which diminishes the diversity of local economies and reduces the number of smaller, independent food producers. This method can also lead to lower wages and poorer working conditions for workers in the food production and service sectors, as the drive for lower prices pushes companies to minimize labor costs. Schlosser argues that these practices can undermine traditional food systems and negatively affect communities economically and socially, illustrating the broader consequences of fast food beyond mere consumer preferences.

Schlosser’s criticism of fast food's economic impact focuses significantly on the industry's emphasis on high-volume, low-cost production methods. This approach prioritizes efficiency and cost reduction over quality and sustainability, contributing to a race to the bottom in terms of food quality and labor conditions. By promoting mass production, fast food chains often lead to the consolidation of agricultural production, which diminishes the diversity of local economies and reduces the number of smaller, independent food producers. This method can also lead to lower wages and poorer working conditions for workers in the food production and service sectors, as the drive for lower prices pushes companies to minimize labor costs. Schlosser argues that these practices can undermine traditional food systems and negatively affect communities economically and socially, illustrating the broader consequences of fast food beyond mere consumer preferences.