03 Jan You have now reviewed the

SOC110 The McDonaldization of Society

Module 2 Journal Entry 1

In Chapter 2, George Ritzer explains that fast-food chains have become so popular because they fit with our contemporary lifestyle. In this journal entry, you are going to examine whether this statement fits your own life. You should answer the questions below to structure your essay.

First, think about your own use of fast-food chains (such as McDonald’s, Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut, etc.). How often do you use them, and how (dine-in, carry out, drive through, etc.)?

Then, look at the elements of the changing society that Ritzer describes in Chapter 2 when he examines the relationship between McDonaldization and social change in American society (there is a section in the chapter that covers this topic. We are NOT referring to the dimensions of McDonaldization. Which ones of those can you apply to your situation? In other words, in what ways do you see your own life reflecting the changes Ritzer describes? Which ones do not fit? Give specific examples from your life to answer these questions.

At the end, based on your description of how you use fast-food restaurants and how your life has been affected by social changes in American society, decide whether Ritzer’s statement, overall, applies to you, or not. Are the reasons he gives for people using fast-food chains the same as your reasons?

SOC110 The McDonaldization of Society

Module 3 Journal Entry 2

In Chapter 3, Ritzer describes how higher education is striving for greater efficiency and is becoming what he terms a McUniversity. Think about your own educational experience, and the choices you have made when it comes to education. Drawing on Ritzer’s description of the McUniversity in particular, analyze your experience looking at those elements that fit with a search for greater efficiency, and those that do not. Overall, would you say that your education experience is efficient, or not? How so?

SOC110 TheMcDonaldization of Society

Module 5 Journal Entry 3

Ritzer argues that with McDonaldization, technologies, including “machines and tools, materials, skills, knowledge, rules, regulations, procedures, and techniques” (p. 89), control us. Without using direct quotes, summarize Ritzer’s definition of control by non-human technologies, including a description of what he means by non-human technologies.

Then, think of one area of your life, such as your job, banking, your education, a leisure activity, etc. (NOT choosing one of the areas described in the textbook), and think of how that statement may apply to that activity as you experience it. Based on this, do you agree with Ritzer’s argument? Do you feel that, as an employee, student, or customer, you are overly controlled by non-human technologies in this activity?

PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a paper of the advantages of technology or about the importance of technology in contemporary life. You need to focus on the dimension of McDonaldization called control, in one area of your own life.

SOC110 The McDonaldization of Society

Module 6 Journal Entry 4

You have now reviewed the five principles of McDonaldization: efficiency, calculability, predictability, control, and irrationality of rationality. You have also examined how they affect your life. In this journal entry, take a synthetic look at the issue, to assess the impact of McDonaldization in your life. First, think about how much McDonaldization you think is present in your life, providing some examples. Then, consider whether you would like this to change, by reflecting on the positive and negative consequences of McDonaldization for you, including a consideration of our core value of community. You may want to focus on only one or two changes. Finally, think about how you might go about implementing such change(s), also thinking how that might relate to the core value of community.