Synopsis
An international, multidisciplinary group of scholars examines the thesis of George Ritzer's popular book The McDonaldization of Society.
Booknews
The collection is a response to George Ritzer's (1993, rev. 1996), which critiqued the phenomenon of McDonald's restaurants as an example of problems inherent in contemporary consumer society in the areas of both production and consumption. The authors represented in the present volume alternately amplify and critique Ritzer's work. Ritzer is criticized for not offering an adequate response to McDonaldization, and for neglecting the ways in which consumers can construct their own meanings for the products they consume; generally, his thesis is seen by some critics as overly pessimistic and disempowering. Feminism, semiotics, postmodernism, sociology, and critical theory are among the disciplines brought to bear on the topic. Despite their criticisms, the dynamism with which the present authors respond to Ritzer demonstrates the compelling nature of his seminal work. Paper edition (96104-4), $19.95. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.