mcdonaldization

McDonaldization is the process by which a society takes on the characteristics of a fast-food restaurant. The term was coined by George Ritzer, who wrote the book The McDonaldization of Society. McDonaldization is an extension of rationalization, or moving from traditional to rational modes of thought, and scientific management. Ritzer highlighted four primary components of McDonaldization:

Efficiency - the optimal method for accomplishing a task
Calculability - objective should be quantifiable (i.e. sales) rather than subjective (i.e. taste)
Predictability - standardized and uniform services
Control - standardized and uniform employees

It can also refer to the replacement of traditional restaurants with McDonald's.

Literature on McDonaldization

The McDonaldization of Society by George Ritzer
"McDonaldization of America's Police, Courts, and Corrections" by Matthew B. Robinson
"McCitizens" by Bryan Turner
Resisting McDonaldization ed. Barry Smart
Golden Arches East: McDonald's in East Asia by James L. Watson
Sociology of Consumption: Fast Food, Credit Cards and Casinos ed. George Ritzer

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