Summary
Contents
`This book confirms David Harris' status as a leading theorist in contemporary culture and leisure in the UK. He offers a distinctive, coherent and authoritative guide to the major concepts and debates that should engage leisure scholars and scholarship' - Dr Peter Bramham, Senior Lecturer in Leisure Studies, Leeds Metropolitan UniversityWritten with the needs of today's student in mind, the SAGE Key Concepts series provides accessible, authoritative and reliable coverage of the essential issues in a range of disciplines. Written in each case by experienced and respected experts in the subject area, the books are indispensable study aids and guides to comprehension. Cross-referenced throughout, the format encourages understanding without sacrificing the level of detail and critical evaluation essential to convey the complexity of the issues.Key Concepts in Leisure Studies:• Provides a student-friendly guide to the key debates in leisure studies• Reflects recent developments in the field, encompassing related work in media studies, cultural studies, sports studies and sociology • Cross-references each 1500 word exposition to other concepts in the field• Offers definitions, section outlines and further reading guidance for independent learning• Is supported by the author's website http:/www.arasite.org/keyconc.html• Is essential reading for undergraduates and NVQ students in leisure studies.
McDonaldization
McDonaldization
McDonaldization is a term originally coined by the American sociologist George Ritzer in a series of best-selling books about the spread of the fast food industry and the implications raised for modern society (including other types of leisure). More general theoretical arguments are also involved. Controversy has greeted the work and has led to new emphases.
Section Outline:Weber on rationalization. Ritzer on the characteristics of McDonaldization. Critical evaluations of the McDonaldization thesis. Weber on the ‘ideal type’. Developments and applications to other leisure activities – package tours, Disney and the re-enchantment of the (baseball) ballpark.
Ritzer (1993) tells us that he was originally hoping to illustrate a major approach to the development of modern institutions associated with the German sociologist Max Weber, and he provides an ...
