The McDonaldization Thesis: Explorations and Extensions

By George Ritzer

Book Overview

Few recent sociology books have succeeded in capturing the imagination more than George Ritzer s 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. Weber s 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 university the McUniversity is also discussed as a new means of educational consumption. The book concludes with a reevaluation of the thesis and its future.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0761955402
• ISBN13: 9780761955405
• Release Date: February 1998
• Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.2" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Applying the thesis to actual life

Ritzer has taken his popular McDonaldization theory and applied it to a host of specific topics, such as the university (and sociology in particular), the work force, leisure and other areas of life. He builds not just on his work but also on those who have taken his theory and built on it, as well as some of the masters in the social theory realm. For those who are interested in this theory, this is an invaluable addition to the body of work.

A great book, to read for all people!

As a student in Norway, going on the course sociology, this was a great book to read. I`m going to have a review of this book at my course, in front of my professor , and the rest of my class. And i will only say good things about that book. The book contains good things about Max Weber, Karl Mannheim. A another thing whit this book, is that Georg Ritzer is using easy words, good langue and its easy to understand.I requment this book to all, either you are a student in sociology, or regular student. Even so if you arent a student, it is a good book to read,for to understand what is the McDonaldization thesis.Gaute Aadnesen