Synopses & Reviews
As one of the most noteworthy and popular sociology books of all time, The McDonaldization of Society 6 demonstrates the power of the sociological imagination to 21st century undergraduates in a way that few other books have. This engaging work of social criticism is praised for sparking debate in and out of the classroom and for allowing students to read in depth on a small number of fascinating topics, and it vividly demonstrates the relevance of Weber's discussion of rationalization (the basis of McDonaldization) to the everyday life of today's student.
New and Retained Features
- Links a large number of social phenomena to McDonaldization, some which are directly impacted by the principles of the fast-food chain and others where the effect is more tenuous
- A new final chapter (10) on The DeMcDonaldization of Society? examines the processes of deMcDonaldization and concludes that while it is occurring on the surface, McDonaldization is alive and well-for example, in the structures that underlie Web 2.0
- Many new and updated examples are from the digital world, keeping the text ultimately relevant for the contemporary student reader
- Addresses the advantages of McDonaldization, then focuses on the problems and dangers it poses and looks at efforts to deal with those challenges
- Examines the link between McDonaldization and globalization
- Challenges the reader to rethink McDonaldization as part of the structure of society and to act to reverse the trend towards it
Synopsis
As one of the most eye-opening and popular sociology books of all time, The McDonaldization of Society demonstrates the power of the sociological imagination to today's readers in a way that few other books have, linking theory to contemporary pop-culture examples that resonate with 21st-century students. This Sixth Edition includes a new concluding Chapter 10 The DeMcDonaldization Society? that examines recent phenomena like Web 2.0 and its relationship to the McDonaldization thesis.
New to this Edition
Many new and updated examples are from the digital world, keeping the text ultimately relevant for the contemporary student reader.This edition includes an increased focus on globalization, exploring how McDonaldization has become deeply ingrained in many other cultures around the world. A new final chapter (10) on The DeMcDonaldization of Society? examines the processes of deMcDonaldization and concludes that while it is occurring on the surface, McDonaldization is alive and well-for example, in the structures that underlie Web 2.0Key FeaturesThis text was written to be accessible to a wide readership, but it remains firmly based on strong social theories, particularly Weber's theory of rationalization. Ritzer links a large number of social phenomena to McDonaldization and continues to spark and invite debate within lecture halls and beyond.
Synopsis
As one of the most eye-opening and popular sociology books of all time, The McDonaldization of Society 6 demonstrates the power of the sociological imagination to today s readers in a way that few other books have, linking theory to contemporary pop-culture examples that resonate with 21st-century students. This Sixth Edition includes a new concluding Chapter 10 The DeMcDonaldization Society? that examines recent phenomena like Web 2.0 and its relationship to the McDonaldization thesis.