Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
In this major new book, the author of the bestselling
McDonaldization of Society provides an exploration of one of the most innovative and imaginative sociological theses of the last decade of the twentieth century - McDonaldization′.
Part One centres on a discussion of Karl Mannheim′s theory of rationalization. The author also assesses the degree to which sociology in general and sociological theory in particular have been McDonaldized′. The second part demonstrates the empirical reach of the McDonaldization′ process with discussions on work, credit and globalization. Part Three moves beyond McDonaldization′ to the worlds of new means of consumption′ and the postmodern perspectives that best illuminate them. The author
Synopsis
Ritzer discusses the process of McDonaldization, and scrutinizes: the labour process and the degree to which it has been McDonaldized; the relationship between McDonaldization and globalization and Americanization. Part Three presents new means of consumption and the book concludes with a re-evaluation of the McDonaldization thesis and its future.
Synopsis
Few recent sociology books have succeeded in capturing the imagination more than George RitzerAEs The McDonaldization of Society, which has become an international bestseller and has been translated into eleven languages. The book stimulated thought and discussion throughout the sociological community. In this sequel, Ritzer moves on by examining how the thesis of McDonaldization should be adapted and extended. WeberAEs ideas provided the theoretical foundation for the thesis, but the ideas of Kurt Mannheim on rationalization are also useful and lead to some new perspectives on the process. The degree to which sociology and sociological theory have been McDonaldized are also assessed. In Part II, Ritzer discusses the process of McDonaldization. Areas scrutinized include the labor process and the degree to which it has been McDonaldized, the relationship between McDonaldization and processes such as globalization and Americanization, and the credit card. Part III presents the new means of consumption. These include fast-food restaurants, credit cards, shopping malls, and cybermalls. Ritzer introduces us to McDisneyization, explaining the role of Disney in contemporary tourism. The modern universityuthe McUniversityuis also discussed as a new means of educational consumption. The book concludes with a reevaluation of the thesis and its future.