Quesions - Book Report/Review Example

The McDonaldization of American Society The word Mcdonaldization is a term that refers to the general irrational social outcomes of the fast food mentality that has been spread all over the world. This is one of the effects brought by the general compression of time and space brought about by globalization, which has largely affected all the global social systems. Ritzer argues that “Mcdonaldization is a term that collectively refers to the change in every society” (2). These changes include fast food joints, rampant use of social networking, bed and breakfast establishments and upper end housing .

The common factor in all of the changes is that human beings have now believed that this new lifestyle promotes fast service over slow, promotes quality over substandard goods and services and quantity over quality. It is also an expression of the line between modern and pre history.There are however counter McDonaldization measures that have been put across like avoiding a monotonous routine avoiding fast food joint and instead going to slow food restaurants. Another reasonable measure is to avoid superstore s as a major shopping place.

Efficiency, control, calculability and predictability are the components of McDonaldization (Ritzer 52). Calculability is advantageous to consumers in that it is calculative enough to make the consumers think they spend less for what they get. McDonaldization promotes self service which gives its workers an impression of working less and it also sets them free from dehumanizing work that machines are better specified to accomplish .Calculability on the other hand is disadvantageous to consumers in that this arrangement wastes time as they wait in parking lots to serve themselves also the prices of the services or goods obtained like coffee are not as affordable as perceived.

It also makes them stick to a boring lifestyle. Ritzer, states that “Most workers under this system are usually unhappy because this process might de-skill labour and oppress them” (55) .This also puts people under a tedious and monotonous daily routine.“Control over customers and employees is necessary because of the uncertainty and unpredictability associated with them”….(Ritzer 101) is achieved through the provision of limited menus to customers, through lining up and also self service to ensure that a consumer spends as les time as possible a fast food joint.

Control is universally achieved through the replacement of inhuman with human technologies. This is further facilitated by the exposure of workers and consumers to a constant and monotonous routine in getting things done. Works citedRitzer, George. The Mcdonaldization of Society. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge, 2011. Print