George Ritzer argues that with McDonaldization, technologies, including “machines and tools, materials, skills, knowledge, rules, regulations, procedures, and techniques” (The Mcdonaldization of Society 9th Ed p. 89), control us.
Without using direct quotes, this assignment requires you to do the following:
• Summarize Ritzer’s definition of control by non-human technologies, including a description of what he means by non-human technologies.
• Next, think of one area of your life, such as your job, banking, your education, a leisure activity, etc and how that statement may apply to that activity as you experience it. NOTE: Do not choose one of the areas described in the textbook.
• Based on your reflection, do you agree with Ritzer’s argument?
• Do you feel that, as an employee, student, or customer, you are overly controlled by non-human technologies in this activity?