What Does Ritzer Mean When He Talks About 'Mcdonaldization'? Relate His Argument to Les Back and the Local/Global Relationship. Essay Example
This essay begins with a definition and description of the key elements of McDonaldization. A brief history of rationalization then leads into observations on technological advances and their role in globalisation. A discussion of globalisation follows and looks at how it has shaped the relationship between the local and global aspects of our society. With these concepts established McDonaldization is reintroduced to explore how it relates in light of the localized and globalized world.
Ritzer has defined McDonaldization as the process by which the principles of the fast-food restaurant are coming to dominate more and more sectors of American society as well as the rest of the world. (Ritzer, 2004)
Without a doubt McDonalds is a model of international financial success. The process of McDonaldization is not limited to the fast food industry or to its nation of origin. Why is the McDonald's model or McModel one that is transferable across industries, societies and around the globe? According to Ritzer, the principles of the fast-food restaurant appeals to consumers, workers and managers. That is efficiency, calculability, predictability and control. Efficiency is attractive to customers who have time constraints and are eager to eliminate their hunger as soon as possible. Employees also work to maximum efficiency by following the clearly defined steps in a pre-designed process they were trained in. They are also closely monitored by their managers to ensure they follow their tasks. Calculability is another feature of the McDonaldization process. The size of portions and the cost of production, as well as how long it takes to attain that product. All these quantitative elements are emphasized in McDonaldized systems. Predictability is a key attraction for the consumer. The McDonald's logo is a guarantee that regardless of location that the burger and fries purchased will be identical. The working environment is also predictable as staff
Ritzer has defined McDonaldization as the process by which the principles of the fast-food restaurant are coming to dominate more and more sectors of American society as well as the rest of the world. (Ritzer, 2004)
Without a doubt McDonalds is a model of international financial success. The process of McDonaldization is not limited to the fast food industry or to its nation of origin. Why is the McDonald's model or McModel one that is transferable across industries, societies and around the globe? According to Ritzer, the principles of the fast-food restaurant appeals to consumers, workers and managers. That is efficiency, calculability, predictability and control. Efficiency is attractive to customers who have time constraints and are eager to eliminate their hunger as soon as possible. Employees also work to maximum efficiency by following the clearly defined steps in a pre-designed process they were trained in. They are also closely monitored by their managers to ensure they follow their tasks. Calculability is another feature of the McDonaldization process. The size of portions and the cost of production, as well as how long it takes to attain that product. All these quantitative elements are emphasized in McDonaldized systems. Predictability is a key attraction for the consumer. The McDonald's logo is a guarantee that regardless of location that the burger and fries purchased will be identical. The working environment is also predictable as staff