McDonaldization

McDonaldization is a term used to describe the increasing reliance on systems which make our lives simpler, but can sometimes also be limiting. It comes from comparing how McDonalds restaurants are organized and operate - they have very clear rules, processes and procedures which make sure everything is done the same way every time. This means that customers know what to expect when they visit McDonalds and that employees know how to complete their tasks. McDonaldization has become more common in other areas of life, such as education and healthcare, where there is an emphasis on rules, efficiency and reliability over creativity and individuality.