Lecture points on social change: Mcdonaldization of society (Ritzer)

> changing society is moving from traditional to rational ways

> the idea of Mcdonaldization is derived from Webber's bureaucracy (structure, rules, specialization, mission, impersonal, technical qualification)

> our society shows many characteristics (westernization, homogenization) of a fast-food chain like Mcdonalds

> Four aspects of Mcdonaldization: efficiency (minimization of time); calculability (quantifiable goals, quantity over quality); predictability; control (standardization)

> Critiques: denial of basic humanity and human reason and understanding; creativity is stifled ( no individuality); quantification of many things; irrationality of rationalization