Why does Schlosser argue that teenagers are ideal employees for the fast-food industry?

Schlosser highlights that teenagers are ideal employees for the fast-food industry primarily because they are capable of thinking quickly and can effectively follow established procedures. This adaptability and quick processing of information are essential traits in a fast-paced work environment like fast food, where employees must respond to customer orders promptly, adhere to safety protocols, and perform various tasks efficiently.

Teenagers, often being in a learning phase of their lives, adapt well to structured tasks and environments, making them suitable for roles that require adherence to specific operational guidelines. Their ability to take orders, prepare food, and manage cash registers while handling the fast rhythm of the restaurant further solidifies their utility in the industry.

Flexibility in working hours can also be a benefit, but the critical aspect of their employability in the context Schlosser discusses revolves around their quick thinking and procedural compliance, which are key to the efficiency and effectiveness of fast food operations.