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24th out of 230 books
—
200 voters
The McDonaldization of Society
One of the most popular Sociology books of all time has been thoroughly updated to examine how McDonaldization has roared into the 21st century. The McDonaldization of Society, Revised New Century Edition discusses how McDonaldization and the broader process of globalization (in a new Chapter 8), are spreading more widely and more deeply into various social institutions su...more
Paperback, 328 pages
Published
January 21st 2004
by Sage Publications (CA)
(first published September 1st 1995)
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The term, “McDonaldization,” was coined by the University of Maryland professor of sociology, George Ritzer. McDonaldization refers to the process of how the principles of the fast food industry are rapidly dominating the rest of society. These principles include efficiency, calculability, uniformity, and control through automation, which are becoming more and more evident in our everyday lives. Ritzer claims McDonaldization is quickly taking the human element out of all interaction, since every...more
This was sitting in a pile of books slated for a garage sale. I picked it up for something to browse for a short time and couldn't put it down. At this point, everyone should already know that McDonalds is unhealthy... that's not what this book is about. It's about how the processes behind the McDonalds formula (rationalization, efficiency, consistency, really the same stuff of Henry Ford's assembly line) has seeped into all aspects of American society (and is seeping into global society), and h...more
McDonald bukan cuma restoran cepat saji, tapi lebih jauh dari itu, ia merupakan sebuah sistem yang berperan besar dalam mengubah dunia. McDonald, bisa dikatakan, menjadi tonggak yag mengokohkan sistem kapitalisme di bumi ini.
melalui buku ini George Ritzer, berdasarkan analisanya, ada empat faktor yang pemikat yang bersarang dalam sistem ini, hingga membuatnya begitu populer. yaitu, Efisiensi, Daya Hitung, Daya Prediksi,dan Kontrol.
saking tingginya reputasi sistem ini dalam mengeruk laba, maka ba...more
melalui buku ini George Ritzer, berdasarkan analisanya, ada empat faktor yang pemikat yang bersarang dalam sistem ini, hingga membuatnya begitu populer. yaitu, Efisiensi, Daya Hitung, Daya Prediksi,dan Kontrol.
saking tingginya reputasi sistem ini dalam mengeruk laba, maka ba...more
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Aug 14, 2012
Robert Voogdgeert
added it
Hoewel bij vlagen grofmazig en suggestief met niet altijd even veel oog voor detail (van uitwerking), is het een een zeer prikkelende beschrijving van de principes die in het hart van McDonalds liggen en de wijze waarop de hele samenleving wordt gebureaucratiseerd.
In studie die in belangrijke mate is gebaseerd op Webers ideeën van rationalisering en de zg. iron cage. De vier essentiele kenmerken:
efficiency
predictability
quantification (calculability)
control by means of non-human technology
Vanuit...more
In studie die in belangrijke mate is gebaseerd op Webers ideeën van rationalisering en de zg. iron cage. De vier essentiele kenmerken:
efficiency
predictability
quantification (calculability)
control by means of non-human technology
Vanuit...more
The gist of the book is about the dangers of MacDonalization, which is the approach taken by most fast food restaurants and increasingly more and more other types of businesses in the USA and other countries. MacDonaldization is driven by an increased search for efficiency and uniformity, which tends to maximize profits and maximize the number of customers that can be served.
However, the increased efficiency usually plays into the hands of the corporations and not into the hands of the consumers...more
However, the increased efficiency usually plays into the hands of the corporations and not into the hands of the consumers...more
incompleted :S
Well, the main idea of the book is to show the effects of fast-food chains on society. Given an extremely famous example which is MacDonald, the author explains how such a fast-food chain could influence people's values, perceptions, behaviors and lifestyles. Other examples are mentioned also in the book like IKEA and Starbucks ( Starbuckzation !)and how they changed and affected society's lifestyle to a remarkable extent, especially if you were talking about Arabian or Asian count...more
Well, the main idea of the book is to show the effects of fast-food chains on society. Given an extremely famous example which is MacDonald, the author explains how such a fast-food chain could influence people's values, perceptions, behaviors and lifestyles. Other examples are mentioned also in the book like IKEA and Starbucks ( Starbuckzation !)and how they changed and affected society's lifestyle to a remarkable extent, especially if you were talking about Arabian or Asian count...more
2 likes · like · see review
I though that this book would be more focused on McDonalds but as it turns out it is more about the trends that are so well encapsulated in the business that most people will be familiar with, McDonalds.
In many ways the book focuses on the more negative impacts of the modern culture of 'fast food'. This is not to say that the issues are not relevant or valid, however the growth of such modern businesses doesn't happen without their ability to successfully satisfy a need.
In many ways the book por...more
In many ways the book focuses on the more negative impacts of the modern culture of 'fast food'. This is not to say that the issues are not relevant or valid, however the growth of such modern businesses doesn't happen without their ability to successfully satisfy a need.
In many ways the book por...more
After reading this book, you will rethink every subtle way big businesses controls its employees and consumer. From the robotic scripted encounters you will have with the employees at McDonald's to the self-service drink dispensers some restaurants provide (do you get a discount for serving yourself?). Let's not forget the self-checkout some supermarkets have implemented--this is a prime example of the Mcdonaldization of Society.
Efficiency, Calculability, Predictability, Control is how Ritzer d...more
Efficiency, Calculability, Predictability, Control is how Ritzer d...more
everything in our lives from they way we are born to the way we die has become routinized, standardized and rationalized. If it isn't efficient and uniform it isn't worth our time or attention. Interesting look at just how much the running of the fast food industry and the assembly line have influenced almost every facet of our lives.
Fantastic. Ironically, I work at McDonalds just now so the points in this book can be examined practically. Some of Ritzer's points about McDonald must only be applicable to American restaurants because I've not come across them. The examples of McDonaldization are great though and are relevant.
I read this book for a college class 5 years ago and I still remember things in it today. To me that is a good book. If you read it I recommend doing so at your favorite fast food point. Really brings home the points in the book when you can see it all around you.
This is perhaps the most overrated books I have ever tried to read. Aside from the brilliant title, the book lacks originality and substance. It really does reflect McDonaldization--all packaging and no substance.
The book itself was very good and convincing until I've read one small part of 'Rebel Sell' once again; this one about the lifestyle which Ritzer finds the best in opposing McDonaldization.
It's an amazing read---understanding the McDonald's model will really help in analyzing your own business.
Wow--it's worth the reading.
Wow--it's worth the reading.
I'd read it in my junior year,2010. I majored sociolozy. The book was so interesting. This book can be called my memorial book.
A REALLY fascinating read all about "rationalization". I was unfamiliar with the concept, and this book really has some wide-reaching ramifications in our society, both globally and domestically. HIGHLY recommend this book.
Had to read it for class, but some awesome stuff in here.
Interesting topic; I still reference it in classes I teach.
Excellent read and concept would highly recommend!
Mar 15, 2010
Nick Lalone
added it
Anything by Ritzer is usually worth reading at least once.
Finally finished reading this book. The premise is interesting enough: post-modernism, capitalism, rationalization, and how all of this form the psychological landscape of our society today. The first half of the book is very repetitive and slow-going; thankfully, the second have is provocative and faster. The author even offers a list of ways to resist "McDonaldization" as an individual! Recommended to anyon who wants to kill time in an intelligent fashion. Viva la revolucion. (Soci/urban studi...more
MIne's the 1993 edition
Definitely happening to society . . . to us.
Fantastic.
Please embrace individualism and individually-owned businesses!!
"Remember always that you have not only the right to be an individual -- you have an obligation to be one. You cannot make any useful contribution in life unless you do." Eleanor Roosevelt
The author's theoretical arguments are easy to follow and work wonders at opening eyes to the ramifications of extreme consumerism and mass-produced "culture" on our societies and selves.
"Remember always that you have not only the right to be an individual -- you have an obligation to be one. You cannot make any useful contribution in life unless you do." Eleanor Roosevelt
The author's theoretical arguments are easy to follow and work wonders at opening eyes to the ramifications of extreme consumerism and mass-produced "culture" on our societies and selves.
Sep 16, 2012
Dylan
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
books-read-for-college
The book as a whole felt too repetitive. The ideas given could've been written in half the amount of pages
An interesting read, although a bit prone to over-generalizing and overly dramatic.
this book was absolute TORTURE!! The WORST most BORING book i have ever read in the short 18 years of my existence. I would burn this book if i didn't pay 20 bucks for it, i blame my teacher for making me read it!
I loved Ritzer's theories on how McDonald's has influenced greater society not necessarily for the greater. He even admitted that he could have called it something else, like The Burger-Kingization or something like that, but McDonaldization had a nice ring to it.
I started reading this for a class, didn't finish it before the end of the semester, but kept reading. While I don't necessarily always agree that the changes in our society can be attributed to McDonald's, his overall ideas are right on and thought-provoking.
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