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The McDonaldization Thesis
Explorations and Extensions
- George Ritzer - University of Maryland, USA
December 1997 | 224 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
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 concludes with a re-evaluation of the McDonaldization thesis and its future.
Introduction: McDonaldization and Beyond
THEORETICAL ISSUES
Mannheim's Theory of Rationalization
The McDonaldization of American Sociology
Munch(ing) on the McDonald(ization) of Social Theory
THE EXPANSION OF MCDONALDIZATION
McJobs
McDonaldization
Globalization, McDonaldization and Americanization
Credit Cards, Fast-Food Restaurants and Increasing Rationalization
THE NEW MEANS OF CONSUMPTION
The New Means of Consumption
`McDisneyization' and `Post-Tourism'
McUniversity in the Postmodern Consumer Society
Dealing with the New Means of Consumption
MCDONALDIZATION REDUX
Some Concluding Thoughts on the McDonaldization Thesis
