George Ritzer is a distinguished professor at the University of Maryland, recognized for his significant contributions to teaching. His work, translated into over twenty languages, delves into themes of globalization and its societal impacts. Ritzer's analyses explore how modern societies increasingly mirror the principles of fast food, emphasizing efficiency and predictability. His approach offers profound insights into the dynamics of the contemporary world and their effects on individual lives.
Focusing on the concept of rationalization, this influential work explores how fast food restaurants exemplify modern societal trends. It connects sociological theory to everyday experiences in a globalized context, making complex ideas accessible and relevant to students. Ritzer's analysis highlights the pervasive impact of McDonaldization on contemporary life, establishing a critical framework for understanding social dynamics in the modern world.
Driven by technological advancements and global corporations, more and more people are swept up by globalizing processes, creating new winners and losers. "Globalization: The Essentials" explores the flows, structures, processes, and consequences of globalization in the modern economic, political, and cultural landscape. This comprehensive introduction offers balanced coverage of areas such as global economic and cultural flows, environmental sustainability, the impact of technology, and racial, economic, and gender inequality -- providing readers with foundational knowledge of globalization. This second edition includes expanded coverage of populism and migration, global climate change, fake news and information wars, and transnational social movements with increased emphasis on examples from Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. -- From publisher's description
A comprehensive overview of the major theorists and theoretical schools, with a wealth of updates and new material for the Eighth Edition.
Updated to reflect the latest global developments, the second edition of Globalization: A Basic Text presents an up-to-date introduction to major trends and topics relating to globalization studies.
Continuity and Change in the Cathedrals of Consumption
This book uniquely bridges the gap between the experiences of 20-something undergraduates and sociological insights into consumer behavior. It explores how young adults navigate their everyday lives as consumers, offering a critical analysis of their choices and the societal influences that shape them. Through this lens, it provides a deeper understanding of the complexities of consumption in contemporary culture, making it an essential read for those interested in sociology and the dynamics of youth consumerism.
The anthology presents a diverse collection of sources, including journal articles, essays, and media pieces, reflecting the evolution of the concept of McDonaldization. George Ritzer enhances this edition by retaining key classic articles while incorporating new contributions that expand on the original thesis. This updated reader not only revisits foundational ideas but also engages with contemporary discussions, making it a comprehensive resource for understanding the ongoing impact of McDonaldization in society.
′This book has been a fabulous success with students because it combines elements of critical social theory, readability... and popular culture′ - Charles Frederick, Jr., Indiana University One of the most noteworthy and popular sociology books of all time, The McDonaldization of Society demonstrates the power of the sociological imagination to today′s readers in a way that few books have been able to do. Key Features of the new edition: - brand new chapter examining the Starbucks phenomenon and its relationship to McDonaldization - updated examples of McDonaldization, including online dating services (e.g. match.com), Viagra, MDMA (ecstasy), text-messaging, Ikea, and megachurches - an increased focus on globalization, including an examination into the relationship between McDonaldization and the environment
Focusing on the processes of globalization, George Ritzer explores their connection to McDonaldization in this revised edition. The updated volume is more concise, streamlining the content and placing less emphasis on the Nothing-Something continuum introduced earlier. This edition offers a fresh perspective on the evolving dynamics of globalization, making it a relevant read for those interested in contemporary social issues.
One of the most popular Sociology books of all time has been thoroughly updated to examine how McDonaldization has roared into the 21st century. The McDonaldization of Society, Revised New Century Edition discusses how McDonaldization and the broader process of globalization (in a new Chapter 8), are spreading more widely and more deeply into various social institutions such as education, medicine, the criminal justice system, and more. This Revised New Century Edition provides many new, relevant examples from recent events and contemporary popular culture, including the ever-increasing global proliferation of McDonald′s and other fast food franchises, shopping malls, and similar commercial entities. Their impact is examined in the post-September 11, 2001 era.
Focusing on the interplay between social problems and societal development, this book offers a comparative analysis of various global societies. Editor George Ritzer collaborates with prominent sociologists to explore how affluence influences the nature of social issues and deviance. The work presents a diverse range of perspectives, highlighting the complexities of social challenges across different cultural and economic contexts.