McDonaldization of Society

McDonaldization of Society
1. Research a well-known sociologist from the list provided below. You will need to use at least three (3) sources.
2. Write in your own words, a 2-3 page essay detailing the importance and relevance of your chosen Sociologist.
Include:
• An introduction to sociology and to your chosen sociologist. Include some biographical information: who were they, where did they come from, why did they study social sciences…etc.
• Who influenced them and their work?
• Why they are well-known: what did they contribute?
• Examples of their experiments, studies, or theories.
• Any other interesting information you can find that is relevant.
This paper is to discuss the contributions made by this sociologist, do not just relate biographical information about them. Provide some documented evidence that you understand their importance and theories.
Famous Sociologists — Choose one from the following list:
Max Weber Talcott Parsons C. Wright Mills Harriet Martineau
Emile Durkheim W.E.B. DuBois Erving Goffman Beatrice Webb
Karl Marx Robert Merton Charles Cooley George Simmel
Paper #2: Gender Stereotypes in Magazines DUE DATE: Tuesday, September 22
Collect samples from a current magazine that include images of women and men.

You should have a sufficient number of pictures (5-6 each) to make a reasonable comparison between women and men and to identify some generalities about the pictures. Make sure that you identify the criteria you use to select your sources. For example, you could choose to compare the portrayal of women and men in magazines targeted toward teen girls, for example, Cosmo Girl. Or, use a men’s magazine for your analysis, such as Maxim or Sports Illustrated.Be sure to attach the pictures!!

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For your paper:
• begin by explaining why you chose this magazine;
• then describe the similarities and the differences between women and men in the pictures

Other questions to consider:
• What gender stereotypes are present?
• How do the women and men interact, if they do?
• What clues, if any, are present about sexual orientation?
• What can you conclude about the portrayal of race, ethnicity, and social class? How might these images contribute to gender?
PAPER 3: Race In The Media DUE DATE: Tuesday, October 6

This exercise is meant to encourage critical thinking and analysis of the media on issues of race. The media has been accused of perpetuating negative racial stereotypes through its various formats, including situation comedies, major films, news coverage, music videos, etc.

For several days, you are to observe prime time television shows on either regular or cable television. Write a two to three page essay summarizing your findings.

Addressing the following:
– Note the number and types of programs that feature prominent African American, Native American, Hispanic, and Asian characters.
– When minority characters are featured in programs, note if they are in a lead or supporting role.
– Discuss the manner in which the minority characters are portrayed in the programs.
– Discuss any messages you feel are being communicated by the portrayal of racial/ethnic minorities. (i.e. Are stereotypes being perpetuated or broken?)

*** Note: Feel free to be creative and discuss motion pictures, music television, comedy networks, newspapers, or magazines.

Paper #4: McDonaldization of Society DUE DATE: Thursday, October 15
Research (or ideally, READ) the book “McDonaldization of Society” written by George Ritzer, first edition in 1993. Look for a youtube video of a lecture or interview withGeorge Ritzer.
Address the following in your essay:
1. In 2-3 paragraphs, summarize the main points in “McDonaldization of Society.”

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2. What is McDonaldization? What are some examples of McDonaldization given in the book?

3. What are some of the advantages of McDonaldization? Discuss efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control.

4. What is rationality and how does it relate to Ritzer’s argument?

5. Do you think the advantages of McDonaldization outweigh the disadvantages? Explain.

6. Summarize a youtube video you watched of George Ritzer.

7. Research Max Weber’s view of bureaucracy (including page 66in our book). How is it similar/different to Ritzer’s use of McDonaldization?

8. List five (5) ways in your daily life that you could resist McDonaldization.