SAINT SOC110 ALL MODULE DISCUSSIONS

MODULE 1 DISCUSSION – CHAPTER 1

What are some advantages of McDonaldization? What are some disadvantages to non-McDonaldized settings and situations? Are there certain things that you wish were more McDonaldized? Are there things in life that should not be McDonaldized (e.g. love, family life, friendship, etc)? Why or why not?

MODULE 2 DISCUSSION

Compare the neighborhood that you currently live in to that of Levitown. How are they similar? Are there any differences? Is Weber’s concern over the “iron cage” or rationality a valid one? Why or why not?

module 3

MODULE 3 DISCUSSION

Given the growing population in the U.S., do you think we could ever revert back to the personalized (i.e., family doctors) health care that we had in the not too distant past? What would be the advantages of a more personalized health care? What would be the disadvantages? How does calculability affect the quality of a product or service?

module 4

MODULE 4 DISCUSISON

Is predictability a good thing or a bad thing in life? Explain your answer. Would you feel uncomfortable if a counter person or sales clerk began acting or interacting in a manner different from the one you typically expect? Have you had a personal experience with this? What was your reaction?

Question

mod 5

MODULE 5 DISCUSSION

Do you believe that your educational experience is highly controlled or do you believe that you are mostly in control of your educational experience? Are there areas of your life where you would like to see more control being exerted over people? Less control? Why is this?

mod 6

MODULE 6 DISCUSSION

What does Ritzer mean by the term “disenchantment?” Do you believe that, according to Weber’s prediction, the Western world has grown increasingly disenchanted? Can you give a personal example to support your thoughts?

mod 7

MODULE 7 DISCUSSION

After having read Chapter 6, how hard do you believe it is to fight back against McDonaldization? Which means of combating McDonaldization do you think are most important and/or effective? Do you combat McDonaldization in your personal life? Can you give an example?

MODULE 8 DISCUSSION

Are there signs or trends that suggest that we might be moving toward deMcDonaldization? What are such trends or signs? Is this a good thing or a bad thing?