What were "white-collar" jobs in the context of the New South?

In the context of the New South, "white-collar" jobs pertained to employment that primarily took place in offices, management, and service sectors rather than in manual labor contexts. This terminology first emerged to distinguish between the work environments and associated social classes of workers; "white-collar" workers typically engaged in tasks that required administrative, managerial, or professional skills, often involving clerical work in offices or positions in management.

The rise of white-collar jobs aligned with the economic and social transformations in the New South, which saw a shift towards a more diversified economy beyond agriculture. As industries developed and urban areas expanded, there was a growing need for skilled professionals, such as accountants, administrators, and managers, to support various business operations.

In contrast, the other options focus on job types that are distinctly separated from the characteristics of white-collar work. For example, manual labor positions, typically associated with physical work and factories, do not fall under the white-collar category, as these positions involve blue-collar labor. Additionally, jobs held by immigrants or low-paying jobs in agriculture would not fit the profile of white-collar work, which generally offers more consistent wages and job security compared to the sectors mentioned.