The McDonaldization of Society: An Investigation into the Changing Character of Contemporary Social Life (Pine Forge Press Publication) [Paperback]

George Ritzer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1993 | ISBN-10: 0803990006 | ISBN-13: 978-0803990005

The fast-food business, most notably Mcdonal ds, revolutionised not only the restaurant business but also American society and ultimately, the world. Using the model of Mcdonalds, the author draws on the theories of Weber to produce a social critique. '

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Pine Forge Pr (August 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803990006
• ISBN-13: 978-0803990005
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,073,097 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent thesis on McDonaldization's impact on society, June 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The McDonaldization of Society: An Investigation into the Changing Character of Contemporary Social Life (Hardcover)

Ritzer analyzes the way McDonaldized systems work to increase efficiency while lowering quality, how we accept bland homogeneity for the sake of convenience while stifling diversity. An outstanding book of sociology, written with uncommon grace and humor.

12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comedy, Political Theory, Social Theory Rolled Into One, October 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The McDonaldization of Society: An Investigation Into the Changing Character of Contemporary Social Life (Paperback)

Finally someone to critique this whole SUV-driving,fast-food gobbling, ATM, credit-card debting, Banana Republic we have created...

This book, for me, almost read like a comedy, especially when Ritzer describes the "iron cage of McDonaldization" - how devices that were designed to save Americans time and money - fast food windows, ATM machines - actually end up wasting more time and money. Intelligent theory underlies his arguments. I'm thinking many aspects of the Internet could be the same way...Best quote was from the teenager in Dale City, Va., who, when McDonald's came to their town, said: "Nothing this big has ever happened to Dale City."

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The McDonaldization of Society--scares me, December 10, 2001

By 

Elizabeth Taylor (UMO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The McDonaldization of Society: An Investigation Into the Changing Character of Contemporary Social Life (Paperback)

George Ritzer's book, The McDonaldization of Society was one of the most eye opening books I have ever read. Ritzer did a fabulous job of breaking down society into a simple example of fast food chains. Refering to our society as following the idea of fast food chains- predictable, calculable, efficient, and controlling, Ritzer not only described society today, but also used clear examples of how society will adapt and be effected by McDonaldization in the future.
I was so unaware of the effects of McDonaldization on society, not only are we becoming robots in a way, but also we are starting to move so quickly in everything we do that people are forgetting to enjoy life. I loved everything about this book, from the examples Ritzer used to the knowledge it brought forth to me.
The only downfall of the book was how synical I have become since reading it. The McDonaldization of Society informed me with so much knowledge it made me take a step back and analyze the things around me. All I have to say is I think we have a scary world ahead of us. I mean seriously who want to live in a robot society?....I certainly don't .
Overall The McDonaldization of Society is a book I would recommend to read, but be prepared of what you are about to embark upon.