franchising
A business method central to McDonaldization's expansion, involving the replication of standardized business models across multiple locations through licensing agreements.
2 chapters across 2 books
The McDonaldization of Society: Into the Digital Age (2019)George Ritzer
Chapter 1 of 'The McDonaldization of Society: Into the Digital Age' primarily provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding the concept of McDonaldization, tracing its academic and cultural impact since its inception. It situates McDonaldization within broader sociological theories, particularly referencing Max Weber's ideas on rationalization, and highlights the global spread and adaptation of McDonaldization principles across various sectors including education, religion, and food industries. The chapter also discusses related concepts such as Disneyization and the role of franchising and corporate strategies in expanding McDonaldization worldwide.
The Age of Access: The New Culture of Hypercapitalism, Where All of Life Is a Paid-For Experience (2000)Jeremy Rifkin
This chapter provides an extensive index-style overview of key concepts related to the commodification of culture, experience, and communication within the hypercapitalist economy. It highlights the transformation of intangible assets such as intellectual capital, cultural production, and social relationships into marketable commodities, emphasizing the role of franchising, gated communities, and cyberspace in reshaping social and economic interactions. The chapter also addresses the implications of these changes for freedom, community, and cultural identity in a networked, experience-driven economy.