University of Mary Organization Where Mc Donaldizationis Applied Discussion

Read about George Ritzer’s concept of the McDonaldization of society in the textbook. Then, choose one of the following options to craft your posts:

1. Think of another example (organization) besides the fast food industry where you believe this concept may be applied. Good examples may be Amazon.com or Walmart (do not use these) Please use as an example and describe how each of the dimensions of McDonaldization applies to your example. Provide some comments on the significance of McDonaldization for your example.
2. How might McDonaldization lead to Marx’s concept of alienation? Then, describe how the McDonaldization of society may lead to Weber’s concept of the “Iron Cage.”

Remember–this is about homogenization and control at the level of institutions and structure. Do not use a restaurant or any form of dining to complete this assignment. Moreover, you should think systemically or at the level of organizations here.  Further, please connect your outlining of McDonaldization to other course material presented and read. 

The McDonaldization of Society

The McDonaldization of Society (Ritzer 1993) refers to the increasing presence of the fast food business model in common social institutions. This business model includes efficiency (the division of labor), predictability, calculability, and control (monitoring). For example, in your average chain grocery store, people at the register check out customers while stockers keep the shelves full of goods and deli workers slice meats and cheese to order (efficiency). Whenever you enter a store within that grocery chain, you receive the same type of goods, see the same store organization, and find the same brands at the same prices (predictability). You will find that goods are sold by the pound, so that you can weigh your fruit and vegetable purchase rather than simply guessing at the price for that bag of onions, while the employees use a timecard to calculate their hours and receive overtime pay (calculability). Finally, you will notice that all store employees are wearing a uniform (and usually a name tag) so that they can be easily identified. There are security cameras to monitor the store, and some parts of the store, such as the stockroom, are generally considered off-limits to customers (control). While McDonaldization has resulted in improved profits and an increased availability of various goods and services to more people worldwide, it has also reduced the variety of goods available in the marketplace while rendering available products uniform, generic, and bland. Think of the difference between a mass-produced shoe and one made by a local cobbler, between a chicken from a family-owned farm and a corporate grower, or between a cup of coffee from the local diner and one from Starbucks.