Social Status, Roles, and McDonaldization Concepts

Ascribed status

A social status a person is assigned at birth or assumed involuntarily later in life.

Achieved status

A social status a person attains as a result of their actions, choices, and accomplishments.

Role conflict

A situation where a person faces competing demands from different roles they occupy.

Role strain

A situation where a person experiences difficulty in fulfilling the responsibilities of a single role.

Formal organizations

Structured groups with specific goals and defined roles, which can have both formal and informal dimensions.

Utilitarian organizations

Formal organizations that are designed to achieve specific goals and provide material rewards.

Voluntary organizations

Organizations that individuals join of their own free will, often for social or charitable purposes.

Coercive organizations

Organizations that individuals are forced to join, often for punishment or rehabilitation.

Dyad

A social group consisting of two members.

Triad

A social group consisting of three members.

Four principles of McDonaldization

Efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control.

Good aspects of McDonaldization

Increased efficiency and predictability in service delivery.

Bad aspects of McDonaldization

Potential loss of individuality and creativity, leading to alienation.

Alienation

A feeling of disconnection or estrangement from one's work, society, or self.