As college students we walk all
over our university to get from one class to the other; from the north side of the
campus to the south, east, and west. The majority of students are generally always busy with class, study groups, organizations, homework, studying,
etc. that the thought of eating a proper meal does not even cross our mind. As
students we tend to eat whatever is most convenient, regardless of quality or cost. All over campus we see
fast food locations in the prime hot spots of student activity; where students can simply go after or before class and
get something to eat within ten to fifteen minutes, and naturally these are the primary source of food for many students, despite many freshman already having cafeteria meal plans! The sociological reflection
theory says that; places like these serve to expose the basic social structure of our society; and in this scenario, offer some insight into the phenomena of the booming fast food industry in the United States. Reflection theory also reveals evidence to support that McDonaldization, a word coined by George Ritzer to suggest that the principles of fast food are beginning to dominate all aspects of life in America, is occurring in the United States. At the University of
Texas we have the convenience of having food available everywhere, but it's also important to consider that all of this food costs money; something that college students notoriously lack. So one must ask why are students spending so much of their limited money on this food that is terrible for them? Reflection theory would tell us: McDonaldization.