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McDonaldization in a Changing World . Are there any limits?. McDonaldization and Globalization . McDonaldization is a key driving force in globalization Ritzer identifies three key factors to McDonaldization’s success: Profits We value it It fits our world. Higher Profits and Lower Costs.
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McDonaldization in a Changing World Are there any limits?
McDonaldization and Globalization • McDonaldization is a key driving force in globalization • Ritzer identifies three key factors to McDonaldization’s success: • Profits • We value it • It fits our world
Higher Profits and Lower Costs • Greater predictability provides the climate needed for a profitability • Even non-profits push for McDonaldization to lower costs so they can survive and maybe even expand services • Motivation is not profit, rather helping clients
McDonaldization for its Own Sake • We have come to value efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control even if there are no economic gains • It is valued in of itself • Part of a now rich American tradition • McDonalds has generated emotional attachment • Birthdays, Celebrations, Play Land and marketing/advertisements
McDonaldization and the Changing Society • Were on the move, and McDonald’s fits our busy lifestyle • Working more hours now than ever • Increasing affluence leads to more meals out • Influence of marketing • Ubiquitous saturation of market • The computer makes McDonaldization possible and now is subject to McDonaldization (AOL)
Major Social Changes: The “Posts” • Post-Industrialism • Shift from producing goods to producing services • More integration in organizations – less hierarchy • Creativity is more valued • More customized work, less standardized • Less uniform products
Major Social Changes: The “Posts” • Post-Fordism • Fordism refers to the assembly line, mass-produced, standardized products and work that describe an economy • Post-Fordism sees society have less interested in such products and work • McDonaldization is closely related to Fordism
Major Social Changes: The “Posts” • Post-Modernism • Post-Modernism suggests a radical break with contemporary society becoming less rational, more irrational, and more flexible • Superficiality and Simulation • Waning emotion or affect • Loss of historicity • Enchantment of rationalization
Major Social Changes: The “Posts” • Ritzer suggests that elements of the Posts are all present in McDonaldization • However, he does not think the “Posts” are nearly as far along as many scholars suggest