McDonaldization and efficiency in modern society

Abstract: This essay briefly covers McDonaldization by defining it, using an example, and discusses why it may be an issue in society. McDonaldization ultimately amounts to a desire for efficiency. However, this kind of efficiency may lead to impersonal interactions and a loss of creativity. Society needs creative and independent thinkers and people must advocate for this and support those that trailblaze. George Ritzer coined the term, McDonaldization to describe the sociological phenomenon existing within modern society (Ritzer, 2018). Although some believe it began in the 1950’s with Ray Kroc through his first hamburger restaurant, the origins are earlier. Interestingly, Henry Ford was the first pioneer in McDonaldization with an assembly line vision for production improvement of cars (Ritzer, 2018). His revolutionary concept proved efficient was later translated to other areas. Essentially, McDonaldization is rationalization, taken to extremes. Rationalization, a sociological term, signifies substitution of logically constant rules for illogical rules (Ritzer, 2001). A core characteristic of McDonaldization is almost any task should and can be rationalized. Processes are broken down from one task into small tasks. All tasks are broken down to the smallest levels. Then the most efficient method is applied to complete these tasks. This promotes a logical and efficient sequences of methods able to be completed in the same way each time, producing desired outcome of productivity and less waste. It is easy then to control the process and outcomes become predictable. An example of this is how McDonald French fries are made. They are cooked in the same temperature with the same kind of oil, for the same amount time across all restaurants within the chain. Applying this to a hospital for example, imagine patients being seated and awaiting their turn to see the doctor. The process of being checked in is broken down to the smallest tasks. These tasks are, collecting patient information, verifying health insurance or payment, contacting doctor, and so forth. The patient can go speak with the receptionist. The receptionist asks for the information, inputs it into the computer. The nurse calls the patient, collects health data and contact doctor. The doctor sees patient in examination room. All these processes were broken down and handled by the appropriate person. However, efficiency can have its drawbacks. For example, patients may only have a set time to see the doctor. Receptionists may have a set time to collect information and check insurance/payments. This can lead to an impersonal and potentially rushed experience. Although this may work in fast food service, this may not be helpful in a hospital or private clinic setting. Patients may want to feel comfortable and able to explain their symptoms without feeling rushed. This process may yield more money for the doctor and the hospital. However, it could promote low quality healthcare. I myself experienced this kind of treatment when I went to the doctor. I remember being told immediately to fill out paperwork. Then I had to get my vitals checked by the nurse. It only took about 2 minutes and I was told immediately to sit near the room I would be seen in and wait. I waited for 30 minutes until the doctor finally asked me to go into the examination room. The doctor asked questions quickly and I barely said anything. He gave me prescription that I was to take to the front desk and then asked me to go to another room to have my blood drawn. I barely had time to say anything and was done within 15 minutes.