Sociology for McDonaldization of Society- myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about theSociology for McDonaldization of Society. Answer: Introduction Working is more advanced technologically and sometimes determining how we can get more rewards out of our efforts can be quiet intriguing. Max Weber tried to analyze the concept of rationalization in trying to determine the position and direction in which the society is headed. Therefore, to understand how to get more out of work (and maybe life), this assignment seeks to conceptualize and review Webers idea of rationalization and Ritzers concept of McDonaldization in relation to the influence they have on modern day societies; given the rapid changes experienced in all aspects of societal elements (Ritzer n.d.). Technological advancements have resulted in subsequent changes in the social and cultural formations of the modern people. Inevitable changes have been experienced thanks to the emergence and growth of the Capitalism ideology, whereby, most peoples lives are directly affected and influenced by the existence of larger business entities and corporations. That influence how people earn a living. The existence of large business organizations and corporations are directly linked to the emergence of new technologies, which in turn have influenced our ways of doing work. Technology speeds up work and minimizes on operational expenses, and improves effectiveness of the work processes, which generates high profits for the corporations involved. It is fundamental to understand that technology affects the way we do work; hence, by understanding Max Webers rationalization and Ritzers McDonaldization concept, then we can understand how works affects us and how to get most out of it. Theorist Max Weber came up with two forms of rationalities which included the formal and substantive rationalities in his approach. A formal rationality involves achieving of the tightly set goals using careful steps like calculations while a substantive rationality refers to an action expressed through a persons social beliefs and cultural values. Formal rationality determines the success of capitalism as the society is based majorly on this rationality. For instance, in big firms, the management is expected to achieve certain organizational goals both long term and short term. To realize these goals, they have to utilize their authority and management skills in guiding their group of workforce in achieving the set goals. Managers do not consider their employees beliefs and values during the work process, rather, the organizational objectives reigns supreme above everything as summarized in the four characteristics of rationalization which includes control, predictability, calculability and measurement. The characteristic of control involves a situation whereby, bodies and the organizations take the center stage in governance and devices rules and guidelines for everyone to adhere to. Control aims at promoting fairness, equality and a sense of unity to all the persons within the society an also aims at stamping out any potential negative effects that may negatively influence the outcomes of the society. On the other hand, calculability characteristic consists of dispensation of information in a quantifiable manner. It involves making informed decisions on what matter most. Given the constraints of cash faced by most families within the modern societies; families have in turn devised ways of saving the little money they have by being shrewd in their budgets, buying only what they need. It is a useful characteristic for managers in such a way that they should understand the importance of operating within calculated limited budgets and saving more. Predictability revolves the visionary capability of an individual and an ability to foresee the future based on certain events or occurrences. And the existence of rules means and regulations means that, people have to live in a society with rules which they should abide by. This means, there are punishable measures in case of law breaking instances. Measurement involves the analysis and evaluation of the results for the future upgrade and progress. It consists of all the aspects that aid in understanding the progress of an action, and helps corporations and societies in improving on the subsequent outcomes resulting from their activities. In relation to Ritzers ides of McDonaldization of society, the four mentioned characteristics are clearly broken down by this concept. Ritzer emphasized on the contribution of the new technology in advancing efficiency in production and reducing the operational costs for bigger corporations. Ritzer focuses on the McDonalds restaurant to base his explanation. He argues that McDonalds is a representation of production factories and malls. They use calculability to reduce their operational expenses while maximizing on profits, use the control concept to create a friendly and harmonized customer environment, measurement to for internal competition among its franchise and predictability in attracting a larger market share. While McDonalds is a good example of rationalization in modern societies; it is a concept that exists nearly everywhere fuelled by capitalism and which affects people either positively or negatively. References Ritzer, G n.d., The McDonaldization of Society: An Investigation into the Changing Character of Contemporary Social Life, Pine Forge Press, Thousand Oaks. London. New Delhi.