Saintleo SOC110 All Modules Journal Entries Latest 2017 February

SOC110 The McDonaldization of Society

Module 2 Journal Entry 1

In Chapter 2, George
Ritzer explains that fast-food chains have become so popular because they fit
with our contemporary lifestyle. In this journal entry, you are going to
examine whether this statement fits your own life. You should answer the
questions below to structure your essay.

First, think about
your own use of fast-food chains (such as McDonald’s, Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza
Hut, etc.). How often do you use them, and how (dine-in, carry out, drive
through, etc.)?

Then, look at the
elements of the changing society that Ritzer describes in Chapter 2 when he
examines the relationship between McDonaldization and social change in American
society (there is a section in the chapter that covers this topic. We are NOT
referring to the dimensions of McDonaldization. Which ones of those can you
apply to your situation? In other words, in what ways do you see your own life
reflecting the changes Ritzer describes? Which ones do not fit? Give specific
examples from your life to answer these questions.

At the end, based on
your description of how you use fast-food restaurants and how your life has
been affected by social changes in American society, decide whether Ritzer’s
statement, overall, applies to you, or not. Are the reasons he gives for people
using fast-food chains the same as your reasons?

SOC110 The McDonaldization of Society

Module 3 Journal Entry 2

In Chapter 3, Ritzer
describes how higher education is striving for greater efficiency and is
becoming what he terms a McUniversity. Think about your own educational
experience, and the choices you have made when it comes to education. Drawing
on Ritzer’s description of the McUniversity in particular, analyze your
experience looking at those elements that fit with a search for greater
efficiency, and those that do not. Overall, would you say that your education
experience is efficient, or not? How so?

SOC110 TheMcDonaldization of Society

Module 5 Journal Entry 3

Ritzer argues that
with McDonaldization, technologies, including “machines and tools, materials,
skills, knowledge, rules, regulations, procedures, and techniques” (p. 89),
control us. Without using direct quotes, summarize Ritzer’s definition of
control by non-human technologies, including a description of what he means by
non-human technologies.

Then, think of one
area of your life, such as your job, banking, your education, a leisure
activity, etc. (NOT choosing one of the areas described in the textbook), and
think of how that statement may apply to that activity as you experience it.
Based on this, do you agree with Ritzer’s argument? Do you feel that, as an
employee, student, or customer, you are overly controlled by non-human
technologies in this activity?

PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a paper of the advantages of technology or about the importance of
technology in contemporary life. You need to focus on the dimension of
McDonaldization called control, in one area of your own life.

SOC110 The McDonaldization of Society

Module 6 Journal Entry 4

You have now reviewed
the five principles of McDonaldization: efficiency, calculability,
predictability, control, and irrationality of rationality. You have also examined
how they affect your life. In this journal entry, take a synthetic look at the
issue, to assess the impact of McDonaldization in your life. First, think about
how much McDonaldization you think is present in your life, providing some
examples. Then, consider whether you would like this to change, by reflecting
on the positive and negative consequences of McDonaldization for you, including
a consideration of our core value of community. You may want to focus on only
one or two changes. Finally, think about how you might go about implementing
such change(s), also thinking how that might relate to the core value of
community.