Overview
Instructions for Formal Essay #2: Social Theory
You will be revising ONE question from the Reading Reviews that you previously handed in on Fridays. You can choose any one from throughout the semester EXCEPT the one that you submitted for Essay #1.
Original Reading Review
"2. Apply Shearing and Stenning’s article on Disneyland to Weber. What connections to
their core concerns can you make? To extend your analysis, try making connections to
Ritzer or Bryman as well.
Weber's concerns about rationalization and bureaucratic authority are closely related with
Shearing and Stenning's analysis of Disney World, which shows a type of social control.
According to Weber, modern societies depend more and more on control, efficiency,
predictability, and calculability, all of which are made possible by bureaucratic systems. Disney
World shows this concept through what the authors refer to as "structured compliance," in which
guests willingly follow by norms embedded in the environment. They observe that visitors
become “the source of their own control” and that control is embedded “where its presence is
unnoticed, but its effects are ever present” (Shearing & Stenning, p. 298). This is in line with
Weber's theory that rationalized systems function best when people internalize the rules and
show consistent behavior free from overt coercion. Weber's argument that bureaucratic authority
is based on legal rational legitimacy rules are followed because they are perceived as objective,
necessary, and connected to expert knowledge is demonstrated even in the instance where a
security guard informs Shearing's daughter that “her safety..." was a matter for Disney
Productions to determine” (Shearing & Stenning p. 299).
Weber's rationalization thesis is further developed upon by Ritzer's concept of
McDonaldization, which increases the examination of Disney World as an overly rationalized
setting. The same principles Ritzer identifies are reflected in Disney's use of automated ride
systems, scripted employee interactions, and physical barriers, efficiency (moving crowds
quickly), calculability (standardized experiences), predictability (uniform messages, identical
procedures), and control (through nonhuman technologies). Shearing and Stenning's description
of how "vehicles which automatically secure one once they begin moving" and how recorded
voices provide consistent directions (Shearing & Stenning, p. 298) reflects Ritzer's claim that
contemporary institutions are depending on technology to control conduct. Bryman's concept of
Disneyization is relevant here as well, theming, merchandising, and emotional labor all
contribute to the creation of a regulated setting that is enjoyable rather than constrictive. Weber,
Ritzer, and Bryman work together to show that Disney World is more than just a theme park;
rather, it is a model of modern rationalized authority, where people accept to control because it is
wrapped in fantasy, fun, and the promise of a flawlessly controlled experience.
Sources
The Sociology Book on Ritzer and Bryman, pages 120 to 123 and pages 126 to 127
From Panopticon to Disney World"
Your revision and expansion should demonstrate that you have moved your thinking forward. For example, you might:
- Present a clearer and more direct thesis statement than in your first draft.
- Include more citations from our course materials, with direct quotes from the theorist’s original work when possible.
- Deepen your analysis by making connections to other theorists or related concepts.
- End your essay with a reflection on how your thinking and writing have evolved since your original submission
- You include concrete examples to support your analysis. These may include:
- Examples from the theorist’s original text (explained in your own words or quoted directly)
- Examples from historical, social, or contemporary events
- Examples discussed in class lectures, slides, or videos
- Hypothetical or illustrative scenarios—if they clearly clarify a theoretical point
These examples should not be superficial — they should be used to demonstrate your understanding and apply the theory to real or meaningful contexts.
Requirements:
- At the very top of your essay, clearly state the question you are addressing.
- Copy and paste your original introduction (along with the week it was submitted and the question you were responding to) at the beginning of your document — before your revised, formal essay begins.
- You may significantly revise or rewrite your original introduction — in fact, most students will need to.
Evaluation Criteria:
Your work will be evaluated according to the following:
- Form (20%) — Grammar, punctuation, spelling, clarity of organization, and proper formatting.
- Content (80%) — Depth of analysis, clarity and precision of argument, and accuracy in your understanding and use of the course materials.
Your essay must include a minimum of six in-text citations (footnotes) to OUR course materials. You should not need to include any outside sources to complete this assignment. If you include too many outside sources, you will not receive credit. Aim to include multiple course materials: Readings and slides or class notes are especially important, but videos can also be cited.
Include a correctly formatted source list at the end and in-text citations throughout.
The following sites are useful in aiding with the correct format of sources:
https://owl.purdue.edu/ Links to an external site.
https://www.citationmachine.net/ Links to an external site.
Formatting:
- Length: Approximately 5 double-spaced pages (not exceeding 5), excluding the original intro at the top and the source list at the end.
- 12-point Times New Roman font
- Double-spaced
- 1-inch margins
- Chicago, APA, or MLA style — Headers, page numbers, quotations, and citations must follow the chosen style consistently.