What Is the Attractive Server Economic Index?
The attractive server economic index is a controversial and oft-criticized economic indicator that focuses on the number of attractive individuals employed as servers.
According to this unconventional index, an increase in the number of good-looking servers signifies a weaker economy. The underlying—and disputed—assumption is that attractive individuals find it easier to secure higher-paying jobs during prosperous economic periods.
Proponents of this theory suggest that attractive people, who might otherwise secure high-paying roles, are pushed into the service industry when the economy struggles. However, the theory disregards skill sets, qualifications, and experience.
The concept was first introduced by Hugo Lindgren in an article for New York Magazine. Lindgren, who was a journalist at the time, has since moved into Hollywood production. His idea has not been accepted by mainstream economists.
Key Takeaways
- The attractive server economic index is a controversial and often criticized indicator linked to economic recessions.
- It posits that a higher number of good-looking servers correlate with a weaker economy.
- The theory was introduced by journalist Hugo Lindgren in New York Magazine.
- The index has not been substantiated by economists.
How the Attractive Server Economic Index Works
Lindgren published the concept after observing what he considered to be an increase in attractive individuals working at a Lower East Side restaurant in New York City during the Great Recession. These servers had replaced others who had been laid off. The manager hypothesized that attractive staff would boost sales.
Despite its emergence, this theory lacks validation from reputable economists. While traditional theories deem employment a lagging indicator of economic recovery, Lindgren argued that the appearance of attractive individuals in lower-paying roles could be a leading indicator.
He wrote, “As a cost-effective, historically effective marketing asset available on a freelance basis, attractiveness tends to be in demand sooner than industrial jobs during economic recovery.”
Little empirical research supports this indicator. Scientific findings indicate that attractive people are often perceived as more capable and confident, leading to better jobs and higher wages—turning the unattractive server theory into more speculation than fact.
Indicators and Factors of the Index
Wage scales for servers can greatly vary based on several factors such as location, quality of the food, and the servers’ skills. Considering service industry jobs as low-skill roles ignores the sector’s competitive nature. Negative reviews on platforms like Yelp can impact servers’ job security.
Reliable economic indicators include GDP or initial jobless claims. Almost any observable phenomenon can be cited as an economic indicator, but scrutinizing their validity is crucial.
Economic expert Erika Rasure cautions against placing confidence in speculative indicators. “Pop culture myths often surround these indicators. Don’t trust them until they are thoroughly validated,” she asserts.
Similar Strange Indicators
While the attractive server index garners skepticism, it’s not alone. Financial oddities such as marine advertisements, men’s underwear sales, or lipstick sales have also been cited as economic indicators. For instance, recruitment ads targeting tougher environments thrive in a bad economy, while men’s underwear sales may dip, and lipstick sales might spike as inexpensive luxuries become commonplace.
What Is a Lagging Indicator?
A lagging indicator is based on historical trends. These indicators act as hindsight insights. They help anticipate and avoid similar future events by preparing for potential negative outcomes.
What Is the Average Pay of Food Service Workers?
As of September 2023, the median pay for food service workers in the U.S. was $13.52 per hour. Comparatively, secretaries earn more, about $21.19 per hour. Median pay indicates that 50% of workers earn more, and the other 50% earn less.
What Is the Average Pay of All Workers in the United States?
The average hourly rate for all non-farm workers in the U.S. stood at $34.55 in January 2024, marking a 4.5% rise from the previous year.
The Bottom Line
The attractive server economic index suggests that a spike in the number of attractive servers corresponds with weaker economic conditions, as those individuals could otherwise secure better jobs. The index neglects skill and experience, which are crucial for assessing economic health. Therefore, it should not be regarded as a serious measure of economic trends.
Related Terms: lagging indicator, leading indicator, economic recession, employment trends, lookism, beauty bias
References
- Princeton University Press. “Beauty Pays: Why Attractive People are More Successful”.
- Amazon. “Consumer Management in the Internet Age: How Customers Became Managers in the Modern Workplace”.
- U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration. “Using Leading Indicators to Improve Safety and Health Outcomes”.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Secretaries and Administrative Assistants”.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Food and Beverage Serving and Related Workers”.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “The Employment Situation—January 2024”.
