The McDonaldization of Society Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of McDonaldization?

The process by which the principles of the fast-food restaurant—efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control—are coming to dominate more and more sectors of American society as well as the rest of the world.

What are the four dimensions of McDonaldization?

Efficiency, Calculability, Predictability, Control

What does 'Efficiency' mean in the context of McDonaldization?

Finding and using the optimum method for getting from one point to another.

What does 'Calculability' emphasize?

The quantitative aspects of products sold and services offered. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Predictability' assure?

That products and services will be much the same over all time and in all locales. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Control' in McDonaldization?

Exerted over the customers who enter McDonald's through managing people and machines with non-human technology. Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how many McDonald's restaurants are there in the world?

Roughly 39,000 restaurants in 101 countries. Signup and view all the answers

What is spatial expansion in relation to McDonald's?

Physically spreading places where there are stores. Signup and view all the answers

What is temporal expansion?

Increasing the times when you are open. Signup and view all the answers

What is vertical expansion?

Business expansion in order to control everything related to a business, from raw materials to sales outlets. Signup and view all the answers

What is franchising?

A system where one large firm grants or sells the right to distribute its products or use its trade name and process to smaller firms. Signup and view all the answers

What franchising strategies did Kroc adopt?

Careful granting of franchises with mutual interest in success and specific guidelines for food production. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the famous sociological theorist that most influenced Ritzer's perspective?

Max Weber. Signup and view all the answers

What is traditional authority?

Power due to custom, tradition, or accepted practice. Signup and view all the answers

What is charismatic authority?

Power legitimized by extraordinary personal abilities that inspire devotion. Signup and view all the answers

What is rational-legal authority?

Power legitimized by legally enacted rules and regulations. Signup and view all the answers

What is scientific management?

Studying and testing different work methods to identify the best, most efficient way to complete a job. Signup and view all the answers

What difference is recognized between liquids and solids?

Solids are physical, heavy, and constraining; liquids are digital, light, and ephemeral. Signup and view all the answers

What is more McDized in terms of efficiency?

Online appointments in healthcare that allow more patients to be seen quickly. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of more McDized calculability?

More TV available on streaming services with ratings to calculate viewing times. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

McDonaldization Overview

McDonaldization refers to the spread of fast-food principles—efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control—across various sectors of society globally.
A synonym for McDonaldization is rationalization.

Four Dimensions of McDonaldization

Efficiency: The pursuit of the optimum method to achieve a goal. In fast-food, it's about the quickest transition from hunger to satisfaction through a standardized process.
Calculability: Emphasizes quantitative measures over qualitative, prioritizing the amount of product and speed of service as markers of success.
Predictability: Ensures uniformity in products and services across different locations and times, providing a consistent consumer experience.
Control: Implemented through technology and standardized procedures; minimizes human discretion, limiting creativity and personal choice in consumer interactions.

McDonald's Global Presence

Approx. 39,000 McDonald's locations in 101 countries, serving 70 million customers daily; the majority of these restaurants are located outside the U.S.
The U.S. has around 14,000 McDonald's locations.

Expansion Strategies

Spatial Expansion: Extend physical presence into new markets globally, including unique adaptations in local markets and additional locations such as military bases.
Temporal Expansion: Increase operational hours, with some outlets operating 24/7 or opening early.
Vertical Expansion: Control all aspects of the supply chain, from raw materials to the consumer; integrated industries include meat and potato production.

Franchising Model

Franchising involves a larger company permitting smaller entities to sell its products and utilize its branding, with franchisees remaining legally independent but adhering to parent company standards.
Kroc's franchising strategies included:
- Selective franchise grants with built-in incentives for mutual success.
- Allowing some franchisee independence for innovation while enforcing strict production standards for consistency.

Sociological Perspectives

Ritzer's view on McDonaldization is heavily influenced by Max Weber's studies of rationalization, paralleling similar dimensions in bureaucracy.
Types of authority include:
- Traditional Authority: Power based on longstanding customs and practices.
- Charismatic Authority: Power derived from an individual's exceptional personal qualities that elicit loyalty.
- Rational-Legal Authority: Power grounded in established laws and regulations, granting legitimacy to leaders.

Scientific Management

Scientific management involves analyzing and optimizing various work methods to find the most efficient processes, integrating scientific principles into workforce management.

Liquid vs. Solid Characteristics

Solids: Physical and tangible entities, such as brick-and-mortar restaurants or bookstores.
Liquids: Digital and transient services, like streaming programs and e-books, representing less constraint and greater flexibility.

McDonaldization Examples in Various Sectors

Healthcare Efficiency: Online appointments and at-home test kits streamline access to medical services compared to traditional home visits by doctors.
Calculability in Streaming: Viewing options on streaming services are often calculated by total runtime, altering the experience of consuming media versus traditional scheduling.

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Explore the key concepts related to McDonaldization through these flashcards. The quiz focuses on definitions, dimensions, and implications of McDonaldization in society. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of sociology and cultural studies.