Mcdonaldization and its precursors from the iron cage to the fast food factory
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Mcdonaldization and its precursors, from the iron cage to the fast food factory
In this lecture reading Weber is stressing the importance and detriment done to society by McDonalds fast food restaurant. The term given to this is known as Mcdonaldization. He has several strong points in his arguments for this, the basis of this is rationalization, whereby everything is calculated and efficiency in this instance is the key. The notion of rationalization is ever present in the fast food industry and McDonalds is a key player in this as it seeks to provide the best possible efficiency, value for money (as society would see it) and optimum taste. It can be noted that no matter where in the world McDonalds is the unchanged in every facet.
A burger in USA for example will be exactly the same as a burger in Australia, this is because McDonalds practices are recognised universally and for that reason Weber is striving to communicate his message that McDonalds, rather McDonaldization has taken over the ethics of society. Humans no longer need to think for themselves, the process of rationalization has relieved them of this thought process whereby we no longer need to think as everything is so prompt, the thought process is alleviated. This is what Weber is trying to articulate and these are the principles he is trying to communicate.
Throughout this reading Weber is attempting to signify the impact that the industry in particular McDonalds has had on society. The main concepts here involve formal and calculative rationality and play a significant role in defining webers theory of the mcdonaldization of society...