George Ritzers article entitled The McDonaldization Thesis: Is Expansion Inevitable?

was
published in the Journal of International Sociology in 1996.
Essay Length: 1900 words (excluding Title page, References and Appendices if used)
Instructions
Read through George Ritzers article quickly to get a general sense of the topic being discussed,
the supportive argument provided, the points made by Ritzer and the general structure of the
paper. It is useful to initially just read through the material to acquaint yourself with the topic and
how the author has structured his discussion. When you have completed the first reading of the
article, reread the paper.
Write an Essay based on George Ritzers article with the following headings and subheadings to
help structure your points and ensure clarity and a coherent flow of the paper.
1. Introduction: In the introductory section of the paper, demonstrate comprehension of
Ritzers mcdonaldization thesis, as well as have a clear working definition of what meant
by the term mcdonaldization.
2. Analyze the utility and strength of Ritzers concept of mcdonaldization: In order to
analyze the utility and strength of Ritzers concept of mcdonaldization, you need to
illustrate first that you understand the 5 dimensions of mcdonaldization: a. efficiency, b.
calculability, c. predictability, d. control, and e. the irrationality of rationality.
3. Spatial Expansion of Mcdonaldization: introduce Ritzers claims that mcdonaldization
is spreading spatially/geographically and assess the evidence he uses to substantiate this
position. Consider the implications of this expansion and the factors that help account for
the expansion both nationally and globally.
4. Temporal Expansion of Mcdonaldization: While Ritzer considers the mcdonaldization
of birthing, death and sex, students need only to consider fully the mcdonaldization of
birthing. One does not have to agree with Ritzers position, but irrespective of whether
one agrees or not, one has to support ones points. Students may choose to use the 5
dimensions of mcdonaldization as subheadings in this section.
5. Discuss ONE other sphere of life (e.g., higher education, communication, intimacy and
mating, criminal justice system, housing, music production and distribution, journalism)
that exhibits the features of mcdonaldization: In order to further explore Ritzers claim
that mcdonaldization has infiltrated every aspect of life (i.e., temporal expansion of
mcdonaldization), students are expected to examine one other arena of life not fully
addressed by Ritzer that one feels evidences these 5 dimensions of mcdonaldization in
action.
6. Conclusion: Students should share where they stand on Ritzers dystopic vision of
where our culture is heading (i.e., that the temporal and spatial expansion of
mcdonaldization is inexorable) and briefly consider the efficacy of signs of resistance
to mcdonaldization (e.g., slow movement, voluntary simplicity movement, culture
jamming, local action to protect local mom and pop shops or small farmers).
7. References Cited: Include all sources that you have consulted to write this paper in your
references cited page at the end of your paper and properly reference sources utilized to
back up claims in the body of your paper. Remember to reference George Ritzers article
(i.e., the article being scrutinized/analyzed) as required in your paper. Students can use

any referencing style that is customary for their program of study or that they are most
comfortable using. Please note that documentaries consulted should be referenced.
Students are expected to draw on at least TWO other sources (at least one of these
sources must be of an academic research nature) that help strengthen the rigor of the
points advanced in your paper.
Referencing: APA (American Psychological Association)

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