05 May 2006

TEACHING HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH: MAY

GEORGE RITZER

Who:
George Ritzer, Professor of Sociology at the University of Maryland, College Park
Title:
McDonaldization, (Dis)enchantment, Nothing and the Gastronomic Interest of Slow Food
Bio: Professor
Ritzer (b. 1940) is considered one of the most important sociologists
specializing in food. Among his numerous publications are collections
of essays, monographs, articles in specialist journals and academic
texts.
Ritzer coined the term "the McDonald's system", on which he has written
many papers, some aimed at sociologists and others for the general
public.
Among his best-known books are The McDonaldization of Society (translated into 16 languages); The McDonaldization Thesis: Exploration and Extensions (1998), in which Ritzer applies his theories to various fields such as tourism and universities; and McDonaldization: The Reader (2002).
In these works Ritzer uses an interpretive category drawn from the
market in order to explain the uniformity and homologation of social
customs, warning against the temptations and allure of McDonaldization.
When: May 8, 2006
Where: UNISG Pollenzo campus
Open to the public: No
For more information: info@unisg.it