Writing in 1950, most of Mills' study concerns the first half of the 20th century; the trends underpinning a change in workplace culture, such as increasing urban populations and workers in the services industry. This new class of worker was invariably based in some form of office, wearing formal white buttoned shirts - hence, white-collar workers. The culture and behaviors of these workers are described, how many are part of an expanding bureaucracy, and have new standards of prestige and consumption.