George Ritzer - Böcker

-- Edward A. Tiryakian, Duke University

The new edition of the benchmark work in the field, extensively revised and expanded throughoutThe Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology, 2nd Edition is the definitive reference work for students, researchers, librarians, and academics in the field. Presenting in-depth coverage of all the major sub-disciplines of sociology, this comprehensive resource contains nearly 2300 specially commissioned entries written and edited by an international team of leading scholars.Published as both an online edition and as an twelve-volume set, The Wiley-Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology, 2nd Edition provides a comprehensive, up-to-date guide of key concepts, theories, methodologies, ideas, research, and debates in the expansive field of sociology and beyond.The second edition contains more than 300 entirely new entries reflecting original work on topics related to globalization, social and political movements, genders and sexualities, race and ethnicity, nationalism, health and society, social theory, and more. Many previous entries have been carefully examined and updated with new data, new ideas, recent publications, and more.An unparalleled resource for mapping contemporary sociology and generating new debates, The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology, 2nd Edition: Provides clear and concise descriptions of key concepts in sociology, written by leading experts in the field.Contains an unparalleled range of entries, from definitions of key terms to extended explorations of contemporary topics.Covers foundational work, recent developments, new research, and emerging trends in the field.Includes sociological research and theories from around the world, with particular attention paid to the increasingly global nature of sociological research.Features sophisticated cross-referencing and search tools, the most globally comprehensive timeline in print, a lexicon by subject area, and extensive bibliographies.Remaining an indispensable reference for academics, researchers, and students in sociology and allied disciplines, The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology, 2nd Edition, is also a must-have for college and university libraries.

The Companion to Major Social Theorists offers a broad-ranging survey of classical and contemporary social theory. In original essays especially commissioned for this volume, leading experts and practitioners examine the life and work of 25 major theorists, discussing the social and intellectual context of their writings and offering an analysis of the impact of their work over time. Includes 25 original essays on major classical and contemporary social theoristsContributions are especially commissioned for this volume, and are by leading experts and practitioners in the fieldCovers the key figures who shaped classical social theory, such as Marx, Weber and Durkheim, as well as figures such as Martineau, DuBois, and SimmelDedicates coverage is given to contemporary social theorists, including Goffman, Elias, Foucault, Giddens, Bourdieu and ButlerEssays include biographical sketches, the social and intellectual context, and the impact of the theorist's work on social theoryIncludes bibliographies of the theorist's most important works as well as key secondary worksEdited by a leading figure in social theory, this volume provides an outstanding one-volume reference source in social theory.

"Ritzer's Handbook of Social Problems offers a comprehensive treatment of today's major societal issues. The articles are authored by some of the top scholars in the field and address problem areas that will capture the interests of students and professors alike. The international coverage is most welcome in this time of intensifying global inequalities."

-Nancy Jurik, Arizona State University

The Handbook of Social Problems: A Comparative International Perspective provides a unique, broadly comparative perspective on the current state of social problems and deviance in a variety of societies around the world. Editor George Ritzer, along with leading U.S. and international sociologists, examines the relationship between social problems and a society's level of development and affluence.

The essays in this volume focus on four interrelated issues involved in the relationship between social problems and the level of development and affluence:

· Less developed and less affluent societies are more likely to experience a range of social problems than developed and affluent societies.

· Affluence causes or at least brings with it a series of social problems that do not exist in less affluent societies.

· It is only with affluence that certain things can come to be imagined as social problems, such as excessive consumption.

· The very affluence of a society makes it vulnerable to problems that would not be social problems in poorer societies.

The Handbook explores the theory of the weakness of the strong—in other words, strong or wealthy nations may have greater vulnerability to some social problems than less developed or affluent societies. This theory is clearly illustrated in this volume by the aftermath of September 11, 2001depicting the vulnerability of the U.S. to social problems in far-removed corners of the world. In addition, the international and comparative essays in this volume cover other important issues such as the impact of modern technologies on social problems, ecological problems, global inequality, health as a social problem, and much more. The Handbook of Social Problems is a vital resource for sociologists and graduate students, as well as an excellent addition to any academic library.

Click ′Additional Materials′ for downloadable samplesThe Encyclopedia of Social Theory is an indispensable reference source for anyone interested in the roots of contemporary social theory. It examines the global landscape of all the key theories and the theorists behind them, presenting them in the context needed to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Theories covered include • Critical Theory • Enlightenment • Ethnomethodology • Exchange Theory • Feminism • Marxist Theory • Multiculturalism • Phenomenology • Postmodernism • Rational Choice • Structural Fundamentalism Led by internationally renowned scholar George Ritzer, the Encyclopedia of Social Theory draws together a team of more than 200 international scholars covering the developments, achievements, and prospects of social theory from its inception in the 18th century to the present. Understanding that social theory can both explain and alter the social world, this two-volume set serves as not only a foundation for learning, but also an inspiration for creative and reflexive engagement with the rich range of ideas it contains. Key Themes• American Social Theory • British Social Theory • Comparative and Historical Theory • Cultural Theory • Economic Sociology • Feminist Theory • French Social Theory • German Social Theory • Macrosociological Theories • Marxist and Neo-Marxist Approaches • Method and Metatheory • Network and Exchange Theories • Other/Multiple National Traditions • Politics and Government • Postmodern Theory • Psychoanalytic Theory • Schools and Theoretical Approaches • Symbolic Interaction and Microsociology • Theorists • Topics and Concepts in Social Theory Key Features • More than 300 entries from fourteen countries • Master Bibliography • Reader′s Guide • Extensive biographical coverage of major theorists • Extensive cross-referencing

This book is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the roots, current debates and future development of social theory. It draws together a team of outstanding international scholars and presents an authoritative and panoramic critical survey of the field.

The volume is divided into three parts. The first part examines the classical tradition. Included here are critical discussions of Comte, Spencer, Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Simmel, Mead, Freud, Mannheim and classical feminist thought. This part conveys the classical tradition as a living resource in social theory, it demonstrates not only the critical significance of classical writings, but their continuing relevance.

The second part moves on to examine the terrain of contemporary social theory. The contributions discuss the significance and strengths and weaknesses of structural functionalism, recent Marxian theory, critical theory, symbolic interactionism, phenomenology, ethnomethodology, exchange theory, rational choice, contemporary feminism, multiculturalism, postmodernism, the thought of Foucault and Habermas, and figurational sociology. The reader gains a comprehensive and informed picture of the key issues and central figures of the day.

The final part ranges over the key debates in current social theory. Questions relating to positivism, metatheorizing, cultural studies, consumption, sexualities, the body, globalism, nationalism, socialism, knowledge societies, ethics and morality, as well as post-social relations are fully discussed. The dilemmas and promise of contemporary social theory are revealed with pinpoint accuracy.

In this major new book, the author of the bestselling McDonaldization of Society provides an exploration of one of the most innovative and imaginative sociological theses of the last decade of the twentieth century - `McDonaldization'.

Part One centres on a discussion of Karl Mannheim's theory of rationalization. The author also assesses the degree to which sociology in general and sociological theory in particular have been `McDonaldized'. The second part demonstrates the empirical reach of the `McDonaldization' process with discussions on work, credit and globalization. Part Three moves beyond `McDonaldization' to the worlds of `new means of consumption' and the postmodern perspectives that best illuminate them. The author concludes with a re-evaluation of the McDonaldization thesis and its future.

In this major new book, the author of the bestselling McDonaldization of Society provides an exploration of one of the most innovative and imaginative sociological theses of the last decade of the twentieth century - `McDonaldization'.

Part One centres on a discussion of Karl Mannheim's theory of rationalization. The author also assesses the degree to which sociology in general and sociological theory in particular have been `McDonaldized'. The second part demonstrates the empirical reach of the `McDonaldization' process with discussions on work, credit and globalization. Part Three moves beyond `McDonaldization' to the worlds of `new means of consumption' and the postmodern perspectives that best illuminate them. The author concludes with a re-evaluation of the McDonaldization thesis and its future.

George Ritzer is one of the leading social and cultural commentators of the present day. In this essential new book he considers some of the main tendencies in contemporary social theory. Included here are Ritzer's latest reflections on the uses and misuses of metatheory. According to Ritzer, sociology is a multiparadigm science. The differences and intensities of rivalries between paradigms are often very confusing for students and even for professional sociologists. This book seeks to find a way out of the confusion by sketching out the lineaments of a new integrated sociological paradigm and demonstrates how this paradigm can be applied. It shows the various ways in which Ritzer has developed rationalization theory to shed light on professional integration, the shape of consumer culture, hyperrationality and the state of sociology today.

George Ritzer is one of the leading social and cultural commentators of the present day. In this essential new book he considers some of the main tendencies in contemporary social theory. Included here are Ritzer's latest reflections on the uses and misuses of metatheory. According to Ritzer, sociology is a multiparadigm science. The differences and intensities of rivalries between paradigms are often very confusing for students and even for professional sociologists. This book seeks to find a way out of the confusion by sketching out the lineaments of a new integrated sociological paradigm and demonstrates how this paradigm can be applied. It shows the various ways in which Ritzer has developed rationalization theory to shed light on professional integration, the shape of consumer culture, hyperrationality and the state of sociology today.

In this book, one of the leading social theorists and cultural commentators of modern times, turns his gaze on consumption. George Ritzer, author of the famous McDonaldization Thesis, demonstrates the irrational consequences of the rational desire to consume and commodify. He examines how McDonaldization might be resisted, and situates the reader in the new cultural spaces that are emerging in society: shopping malls, casino hotels, Disneyfied theme parks and Las Vegas, the new `cathedrals of consumption' as he calls them. The book shows how new processes of consumption relate to globalization theory. In illuminating discussions of the work of Thorstein Veblen and the French situationists, Ritzer unearths the roots of problems of consumption in older sociological traditions. He indicates how transgression is bound up with consumption, through an investigation of the obscene in popular and postmodern culture.

In this book, one of the leading social theorists and cultural commentators of modern times, turns his gaze on consumption. George Ritzer, author of the famous McDonaldization Thesis, demonstrates the irrational consequences of the rational desire to consume and commodify. He examines how McDonaldization might be resisted, and situates the reader in the new cultural spaces that are emerging in society: shopping malls, casino hotels, Disneyfied theme parks and Las Vegas, the new `cathedrals of consumption' as he calls them. The book shows how new processes of consumption relate to globalization theory. In illuminating discussions of the work of Thorstein Veblen and the French situationists, Ritzer unearths the roots of problems of consumption in older sociological traditions. He indicates how transgression is bound up with consumption, through an investigation of the obscene in popular and postmodern culture.

The explosive growth of consumer credit, as well as the shift from cash to "plastic" in societies throughout the world signals a transformation in social relations, which is the focus of this book. For student readers who know the world of credit cards all too well, this is a great way to interest and educate them on the power of thinking sociologically.

Sociological Theory gives readers a comprehensive overview of the major theorists and schools of sociological thought, from sociology's 19th century origins through to the early 21st century. Written by an author team that includes one of the leading contemporary thinkers, the text integrates key theories with biographical sketches of theorists, placing them in historical and intellectual context.

Featuring a collection of original chapters by leading and emerging scholars, The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Sociology presents a comprehensive and balanced overview of the major topics and emerging trends in the discipline of sociology today. Features original chapters contributed by an international cast of leading and emerging sociology scholarsRepresents the most innovative and 'state-of-the-art' thinking about the disciplineIncludes a general introduction and section introductions with chapters summaries by the editor

This companion features original essays on the complexity of globalization and its diverse and sometimes conflicting effects. Written by top scholars in the field, it offers a nuanced and detailed examination of globalization that includes both positive and critical evaluations. Introduces the major players, theories, and methodologiesExplores the major areas of impact, including the environment, cities, outsourcing, consumerism, global media, politics, religion, and public healthAddresses the foremost concerns of global inequality, corruption, international terrorism, war, and the future of globalizationWide-ranging and comprehensive, an excellent text for undergraduate and graduate students in a range of disciplines

A concise exploration of globalization and its role in the contemporary era Driven by technological advancements and global corporations, more and more people are swept up by globalizing processes, creating new winners and losers. Globalization: The Essentials explores the flows, structures, processes, and consequences of globalization in the modern economic, political, and cultural landscape. This comprehensive introduction offers balanced coverage of areas such as global economic and cultural flows, environmental sustainability, the impact of technology, and racial, economic, and gender inequality — providing readers with foundational knowledge of globalization.Extensively revised and updated, this second edition includes expanded coverage of human trafficking and migration, global climate change, fake news and information wars, and transnational social movements with increased emphasis on examples from Central and South America, Africa, and Asia: Offers a straightforward approach to the multiple facets of globalization and their positive and negative influences on contemporary societyEmploys unique metaphors and a coherent narrative structure to promote intuitive understanding of abstract conceptsIntroduces cutting-edge research, updated statistics, and real-world examples in areas such as rising global populism, social justice movements, blockchain technology, and cryptocurrenciesProvides an efficient and flexible pedagogical structure, allowing integration with instructor’s own course materialEmphasizing student comprehension, a wide range of source material is incorporated including empirical research, relevant theories, newspaper and magazine articles, and popular books and monographs. Examples of current research and recent global developments, such as emerging economies and global health concerns, encourage classroom discussion and promote independent study. Globalization: The Essentials — a compact edition of the authors’ full-sized textbook Globalization: A Basic Text — provides concise coverage of the central concepts of this dynamic field. Offering a multidisciplinary approach, this textbook is an invaluable primary or supplemental resource for undergraduate study in any social science field, as well as coursework on economics, migration, inequality and stratification, and politics.

The new, updated edition of the authoritative and comprehensive survey of modern sociologyThe Wiley Blackwell Companion to Sociology, Second Edition is an authoritative survey of the major topics, current and emerging trends, and contemporary issues in the study of human social relationships and institutions. A collection of contributions from globally-recognized scholars and experts explore the theoretical and methodological foundations of sociology, new and established debates, and the most current research in the field. Broad in scope, this book covers a multitude of topics ranging from crime, urbanization, sexuality, and education to new questions surrounding big data, authoritarian capitalism, and the rise of nationalism.Since the first edition of the Companion was published, new developments have emerged and new problems have been created such as the omnipresence of social media, political and institutional upheaval, and the global refugee and immigration crises. This revised and updated second edition describes and explains social changes that have occurred in the past several years, both within the field of sociology and society as a whole. Previous material has been updated to reflect current research, while eleven new chapters address topics including feminist theory, debt and social change, and armed conflict and war. This comprehensive volume: Offers an engaging and accessible guide to the field of sociology, revised and updated for the second editionPresents wide-ranging, comprehensive coverage of the disciplineExplores issues of contemporary relevance such as digital media and consumptionReflects state-of-the-art scholarship and contemporary debatesNew chapters for the second edition cover essential topics including feminist theory, armed conflict, big data, authoritarian capitalism, debt and social change, and the rise of nationalismThe Wiley Blackwell Companion to Sociology, Second Edition is an invaluable resource for academics and graduate students, researchers, scholars, and educators in the discipline of sociology and allied fields such as anthropology, human geography, political science, and psychology.

The new, updated edition of the authoritative and comprehensive survey of modern sociologyThe Wiley Blackwell Companion to Sociology, Second Edition is an authoritative survey of the major topics, current and emerging trends, and contemporary issues in the study of human social relationships and institutions. A collection of contributions from globally-recognized scholars and experts explore the theoretical and methodological foundations of sociology, new and established debates, and the most current research in the field. Broad in scope, this book covers a multitude of topics ranging from crime, urbanization, sexuality, and education to new questions surrounding big data, authoritarian capitalism, and the rise of nationalism.Since the first edition of the Companion was published, new developments have emerged and new problems have been created such as the omnipresence of social media, political and institutional upheaval, and the global refugee and immigration crises. This revised and updated second edition describes and explains social changes that have occurred in the past several years, both within the field of sociology and society as a whole. Previous material has been updated to reflect current research, while eleven new chapters address topics including feminist theory, debt and social change, and armed conflict and war. This comprehensive volume: Offers an engaging and accessible guide to the field of sociology, revised and updated for the second editionPresents wide-ranging, comprehensive coverage of the disciplineExplores issues of contemporary relevance such as digital media and consumptionReflects state-of-the-art scholarship and contemporary debatesNew chapters for the second edition cover essential topics including feminist theory, armed conflict, big data, authoritarian capitalism, debt and social change, and the rise of nationalismThe Wiley Blackwell Companion to Sociology, Second Edition is an invaluable resource for academics and graduate students, researchers, scholars, and educators in the discipline of sociology and allied fields such as anthropology, human geography, political science, and psychology.

An accessible and comprehensive introduction to key concepts in globalization written by leading authors in the fieldIn the comprehensively revised Third Edition of Globalization: A Basic Text, distinguished researchers and authors George Ritzer and Paul Dean deliver an up-to-date introduction to major trends and topics related to the study of globalization. The book includes accessible and rigorous material on the key theories and major topics in globalization, as well as modern developments like the rise of populism and far-right political groups, Brexit, migration and backlash to it, trade negotiations, social media and the spread of misinformation, climate change, social justice issues, and COVID-19.The new edition includes a greater focus on the structures of inequality that encourage or discourage global flows. Additionally, new examples and sources from Central and South America, Africa, and Asia are used to illustrate key concepts, and round out the international coverage of book. Throughout, the authors use clear and helpful metaphors including solids, liquids, gases, and flows to introduce and explain the complex nature of globalization in an engaging and understandable way.Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction to globalization and related processes, including imperialism, colonialism, development, and westernizationAn exploration of neoliberalism, including its roots, principles, criticisms, and Neo-Marxist alternativesA practical discussion of global political structures and processes, as well as global economic flows of production and consumptionA concise treatment of negative global flows and processes, including dangerous imports, diseases, crime, terrorism, and warAnalysis of the changing nature of globalization and de-globalization, and the social movements and technological developments driving these changesMore images, charts, and graphs to help illustrate and highlight the concepts contained in the bookPerfect for advanced undergraduates studying globalization across sociology, political science, geography, anthropology, and economics, Globalization: A Basic Text, Third Edition will also be essential reading for students taking courses in culture, economy and inequality, and migration taught from a global perspective.

The Blackwell Companion to Major Classical Social Theorists provides a comprehensive review of classical social theory. Containing original essays especially commissioned for this volume, leading experts and practitioners examine the life and work of 12 major theorists. Includes 12 original essays by leading scholars on major classical social theoristsCovers the key figures who shaped social theory, such as Marx, Weber and Durkheim, as well as additional classical theorists such as Harriet Martineau and W. E. B. Du BoisEssays include biographical sketches, the social and intellectual context, and the impact of the thinker's work on social theory generallyIncludes bibliographies of the theorist's most important works as well as key secondary worksCan be used in conjunction with The Blackwell Companion to Major Contemporary Social Theorists, edited by George Ritzer, for a complete reference source in social theory

The Blackwell Companion to Major Contemporary Social Theorists is a survey of contemporary social theory that focuses on the thinkers themselves. In original essays especially commissioned for this volume, leading experts and practitioners examine the life and work of 13 major theorists such as Elias, Baudrillard, Giddens, and Butler. Includes 13 original essays by leading scholars on major contemporary social theorists. Covers key figures such as Elias, Goffman, Foucault, Habermas, Giddens, Bourdieu, and Butler. Essays include biographical sketches, the social and intellectual context, and the impact of the thinker's work on social theory generally. Includes bibliographies of the theorist's most important works as well as key secondary works. Can be used in conjunction with The Blackwell Companion to Major Classical Social Theorists, edited by George Ritzer, for a complete reference source in social theory.

This unique and engaging anthology introduces students to the major concepts of globalization within the context of the key debates and disputes. Introduces globalization through its basic concepts, rather than thematically; a distinctive approach that provides students with a better grasp of what social science has to offer on the topicUtilizes concepts from interdisciplinary sources, bringing together work from key figures across a number of fields - from Weber and Marx, to contemporary figures in the field, including Beck, Bauman, Castells, and Homi BhabhaIncludes excerpts to illustrate ideas, all at an appropriate level of difficulty for an undergraduate audienceOffers all of this in the dynamic context of major debates surrounding the basic concepts and the fundamental realities of globalizationDesigned so it can be used independently, or alongside Ritzer’s Globalization: A Basic Text for a complete student resource

This companion features original essays on the complexity of globalization and its diverse and sometimes conflicting effects. Written by top scholars in the field, it offers a nuanced and detailed examination of globalization that includes both positive and critical evaluations. Introduces the major players, theories, and methodologiesExplores the major areas of impact, including the environment, cities, outsourcing, consumerism, global media, politics, religion, and public healthAddresses the foremost concerns of global inequality, corruption, international terrorism, war, and the future of globalizationWide-ranging and comprehensive, an excellent text for undergraduate and graduate students in a range of disciplines

This concise encyclopedia is the most complete international survey of sociology ever created in one volume. Contains over 800 entries from the whole breadth of the disciplineDistilled from the highly regarded Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology, with entries completely revised and updated to provide succinct and up-to-date coverage of the fundamental topicsGlobal in scope, both in terms of topics and contributorsEach entry includes references and suggestions for further readingCross-referencing allows easy movement around the volume

Containing over 600 entries on the essential topics of Globalization, this collection offers the definitive reference resource for students, researchers and academics in the field. Updated annuallyOffers clear and concise explanations of the key concepts of GlobalizationIncludes entries on concepts derived from across the social sciences, from sociology and anthropology to political science, economics, and human geographyLooks at the founding theories as well as the realities of globalization todayCovers the essential topics in the study of globalization, including agency-structure, Americanization, anti-globalization, Bretton Woods; coca-colonization, Empire; Euro crisis, ethnic cleansing, exploitation, feminization of poverty, genocide, global warming, nation-state, neo-liberalism, oil, post-globalization, Qaedaism, rape, sex work, sport, terror, Transnational Corporations, Twitter Revolution, water crisis, Web 2.0, Wikileaks, World Social Forum and, ZapatistasIncludes a number of key documents listed as entries such as the Kyoto Protocol and The Universal Declaration of Human Rights5 Volumeshttp://www.globalizationencyclopedia.com/

The Globalization of Nothing is back in a revised and completely updated edition, with an even greater emphasis on the processes of globalization and how they relate to McDonaldization. As before, this book is structured around four sets of concepts addressing the issues of: "places/non-places," "things/non-things," "people/non-people," and "services/non-services." By drawing upon salient examples from everyday life, George Ritzer invites the reader to examine the nuances of these concepts in conjunction with the paradoxes within the process of the globalization of nothing. Critical questions are raised throughout, and the reader is compelled not only to seek answers to these questions, but also to critically evaluate the questions as well as their answers. New to This Edition Features a greater emphasis on the main topic of globalization: A new first chapter offers an introductory overview of globalization and globalization theory, outlining the unique ways in which these topics are addressed throughout the text. Offers a new way to conceptualize and theorize about globalization: This edition delves into two subprocesses of globalization—“glocalization” and “grobalization.” Provides a new way to think about consumer culture and globalization: New material is presented on consumer culture and its globalization as well as on the role of branding. Uses a nontechnical and accessible style with many global examples: The examples in this book are drawn from everyday life and a global consumer culture that are readily recognizable to students. Shorter and more concise in response to reviewer feedback.

Intended Audience This text can be used in a variety of courses focusing on the principles of sociology, social change, social theory, globalization, consumerism, and the global economy in sociology departments as well as in related courses in departments of political science or economics.

Contributor to the SAGE Teaching Innovations and Professional Development Award

The Globalization of Nothing is back in a revised and completely updated edition, with an even greater emphasis on the processes of globalization and how they relate to McDonaldization. As before, this book is structured around four sets of concepts addressing the issues of: "places/non-places," "things/non-things," "people/non-people," and "services/non-services." By drawing upon salient examples from everyday life, George Ritzer invites the reader to examine the nuances of these concepts in conjunction with the paradoxes within the process of the globalization of nothing. Critical questions are raised throughout, and the reader is compelled not only to seek answers to these questions, but also to critically evaluate the questions as well as their answers. New to This Edition Features a greater emphasis on the main topic of globalization: A new first chapter offers an introductory overview of globalization and globalization theory, outlining the unique ways in which these topics are addressed throughout the text. Offers a new way to conceptualize and theorize about globalization: This edition delves into two subprocesses of globalization—“glocalization” and “grobalization.” Provides a new way to think about consumer culture and globalization: New material is presented on consumer culture and its globalization as well as on the role of branding. Uses a nontechnical and accessible style with many global examples: The examples in this book are drawn from everyday life and a global consumer culture that are readily recognizable to students. Shorter and more concise in response to reviewer feedback.

Intended Audience This text can be used in a variety of courses focusing on the principles of sociology, social change, social theory, globalization, consumerism, and the global economy in sociology departments as well as in related courses in departments of political science or economics.

Contributor to the SAGE Teaching Innovations and Professional Development Award

The only book to connect the everyday world of the 20-something undergraduate consumer with sound sociological analysis of the world of consumption

 

Enchanting a Disenchanted World, Third Edition examines Disney, malls, cruise lines, Las Vegas, the world wide web, Planet Hollywood, credit cards, and all the other ways we now consume. Thoroughly updated to reflect the recent economic recession and the impact of the internet, bestselling author George Ritzer continues to explore this book’s central thesis: that our society has undergone fundamental change because of the way and the level at which we consume.

This Third Edition demonstrates how we have created new "cathedrals" of consumption (places that enchant us so as to entice us to stay longer and consume more) while continuing to take capitalism to a new level. These places of consumption, whether in our homes, the mall, or cyberspace, are in a constant state of "enchanting the disenchanted," luring us through new spectacles because their rational qualities are both necessary and deadening at the same time.

New and Hallmark Features

Offers a unique analysis of the world of consumption, especially the settings in which consumption takes place Discusses the recent global economic recession throughout Offers rich details on consuming in such places as Las Vegas, Disney World, on cruise ships, in Wal-Mart, at McDonald’s, and, new to this edition, on the Web Includes a wide range of theoretical perspectives—Marxian, Weberian, critical theory, postmodern theory—as well as a number of concepts such as hyperconsumption, implosion, simulation, and time and space to show students how sociological theory can be applied to everyday phenomena

Intended Audience Enchanting in a Disenchanted World, Third Edition brings life to a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including Introductory Sociology, Social Problems, Sociological Theory, Economic Sociology, Sociology of Culture, and the Sociology of Consumption.

Contributor to the SAGE Teaching Innovations and Professional Development Award