Smoking and Social Class

Would one expect to see a cloud of smoke hanging over a gathering of doctors? Not very likely. How about a haze over an assembly of lawyers? Again, doubtful. What about finding pungent billows over a group of teachers? Unlikely. In contrast, how likely is smoking in a collection of cab drivers? That is not surprising. Assembly line workers? Restaurant employees? For smokers in these livelihoods it may even be the norm. Welcome to smoking and social class.
The recent negotiations between a group of state attorneys general and the big tobacco companies have been watched and reported on with great interest. People are wondering what will happen to the smoking habit in America in the health-conscious millennium and beyond. While political and economic giants move between position and negotiation, a more complex issue is being ignored.
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