Study guide/discussion questions for three articles for midterm 3. Come prepared to discuss these questions next week (for the online class, discuss these questions this week on our discussion board).

The McDonald’s System (from The McDonaldization of Society) by GEORGE RITZER

Describe the McDonald’s system. What does Ritzer think is some of its disadvantages?

Where do you see McDonaldization occurring? How is Cuesta College McDonaldized?

The My Lai Massacre: A Crime of Obedience? (from Crimes of Obedience: Toward a Social Psychology of Authority and Responsibility) by HERBERT C. KELMAN and V. LEE HAMILTON

Summarize Kelman and Hamilton’s analysis of the My Lai massacre. In their formulation, what were the social processes that explain the massacre?

Have any of you served in the military? Can any of you speak to the processes that Kelman and Hamilton argue are features of the military?

Police Accounts of Normal Force JENNIFER HUNT

Discuss how police officers are socialized to create an interpretation of questionable behavior that makes it appear to be a natural and acceptable response to particular situations.

What is the difference between legally permissible, normal, and excessive force? Discuss normal force.

According to police officers, should they ever lose control of their emotions?

Using examples from “Police Accounts of Normal Force,” discuss how sanctions can be used to make individuals conform (this question concern lecture material).

Have any of you been involved in law enforcement? Is the situation that Hunt describes the situation that you have observed?