In "Poverty at Work: Office Work and the Crack Alternative," Bourgois argues that the most important reason that second generation Puerto Rican men living in Spanish Harlem find it unpleasant to work in New York City's professional offices is
A) the work pays too little.
B) they feel they are treated with disrespect.
C) they can't get to work because they are too poor to own cars.
D) they speak no English.

Question

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Bourgois argues that the most important reason that second generation Puerto Rican men find it unpleasant to work in New York City's professional offices is that they feel they are treated with disrespect. Bourgois suggests that these men are often seen as "invisible" or "disposable" by their employers and coworkers due to their race, ethnicity, and social class. This leads to a feeling of low self-worth and a lack of motivation to continue working in such environments. While pay and transportation may also be issues for some individuals, Bourgois highlights the social and cultural factors of workplace discrimination as the primary reason for the discomfort and dissatisfaction experienced by these workers.