1. Identify major social changes since the 1880's studied by sociologists. a. Although there were many that defined that era, there are three major social changes in the 1800’s that were noteworthy. The Industrial revolution, the shift from blue collar to the growth of the white collar work industry and the Women labor rights. 2. Explain why sociologists today focus on trends in globalization and consumption. a. The world has become so internationalized , so much that major organizations have become much more prominent and individual societies have lost their significance 3. Describe what we mean by the McDonaldization of society. a. Varies but should include that McDonaldization is a process of rationalization but has irrational consequences. This process rationalizes through four characteristics: 1. Efficiency Quickest and least costly means to achieve the desired end. In fast food, it means every hamburger is created with no wasted movements or ingredients and served in a fast-food window; 2. Calculability. Everything in the process is assigned a cost. This means that how quickly a burger is produced, the time it takes to assemble, and every item on the burger is accounted for; 3. …show more content…
The student should point out that sociologists are divided on this point. Those who believe in the role of sociology as pure science believe we need to understand the social world better before we try to change it, if, in fact, we intervene at all. It may be that using knowledge to try to reform society will affect society adversely or distort behaviors in unforeseen ways. Those who believe in social reform believe that it is a responsibility of those who learn about social inequalities to intervene in order to create a more just world. Without these informed advocates, the elite get to determine the rules of the game. Students may select either as valid choices for how they think sociology should interact with the world, but they should provide some justification for their