Changing Character of Contemporary Social Life †MyAssignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about the Changing Character of Contemporary Social Life. Answer: Introduction: Sociologist Max Weber scrutinized the concept of rationalization by trying to determine the position and direction in which the society is headed. For understanding how to get more out of work, this assignment seeks to review Webers idea of rationalization and more keenly the Ritzers impression of McDonaldization in relation to the weight they have on contemporary day societies; given the rapid changes being seen in all aspects of society. Obligatory changes have been witnessed, with credits to the surfacing and growth of the Capitalism philosophy, whereby, individuals lives are directly affected and inclined by the availability of larger business organizations and corporations. In order for the people to earn a living, they have to depend on these corporations to offer solutions. The emergence of the new technological developments has changed peoples ways of living and influences the way they do their work. Webers rationalization and Ritzers McDonaldization concept brings out a clea r relationship between the peoples lives and work influence within the contemporary societies in a more detailed and complex way using defined illustrations on the work affects us. Max Weber created two kinds of rationalities in his approach of scrutiny which included the formal and substantive rationalities. A formal rationality according to Weber, deals with the achievement of the strictly set goals using careful steps like calculations. Similarly, substantive rationality refers to an action articulated in the course of a persons social beliefs and values. It is imperative to understand that the success capitalism is majorly dependent on the formal rationality. The success of capitalism depends on the formal rationality as the society is based majorly on it. Managers takes the position of total control over their employees in an organizational rule summarized in the four characteristics of rationalization which includes control, predictability, calculability and finally the measurement characteristic. Measurement is the way organizations analyses and evaluates their results and ponders on the best way to improve them. It is a basic factor in determining the progress of an organization, and includes all units and ratios of measurement that can help in the analysis of the organizational position and the progress. On the hand, predictability involves the visionary ability of the managers to foresee an advancing occurrence that may influence the success or the failure of the business. In this rationality, there is the existence of rules means, which compels people to abide by them. This means, breaking of these laws or regulations would invite subsequent punishable measures from the people in charge of the rules within the society or organization. The calculability characteristic consists of indulgence of information in an experimental method. It consists of making informed decisions by choosing what is required. For instance the economic toughness most people face within the society means that, for them to meet their basic needs, they have to use elimination method and stick to what to the right choice and save on their expenditures. This characteristic is important for managers in such a way that they should understand the importance of utilizing calculated limited budgets and encourage the saving culture within their organizations. The control characteristic involves the process of the bodies and the organizations takes charge in formation of the rules and regulations which people within the set have to obey. These rules are designed to promote equality, fairness and also to promote unity among groups of people within the society. In addition, this characteristic also aims at weeding out all the unnecessary negativity within the society that may lead to unwanted negative influence. The case of McDonalds and McDonaldization provides a fine illustration of rationalization in contemporary societies. This concept is widely spread in the society in recent terms and capitalism has played a centre-stage in advancing its effects on peoples way of life. It is common to see fierce competitions from big corporations in the battle for the resources, revenue and dominance in the market. The resultant consequences are on the employees who get trapped between these wars that can either influence them positively or negatively. Ritzers idea of McDonaldization is a perfect example which addresses the rationalization characteristics. Ritzer emphasized on the contribution of the new technology in advancing efficiency in production and reducing the operational costs for bigger corporations. He emphasized on the McDonalds restaurant chain to base his explanation. According to (Ritzer n.d.), McDonalds is a representation of production plant. They have used calculability to save on their operational costs; the control concept to create a responsive and coordinated customer environment, the measurement for internal auditing and competition among its franchise and the outlets and finally predictability in attracting a larger market share. References Ritzer, G n.d., The McDonaldization of Society: An Investigation into the Changing Character of Contemporary Social Life, Pine Forge Press, Thousand Oaks. London. New Delhi.