Ritual as a Missing Link: Sociology, Structural Ritualization Theory, and Research

by Knottnerus,J. David

• ISBN13: 9781594518553
• ISBN10: 1594518556
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2010-12-30
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

'œWhy do people behave the way they do?' Up to now, ritual has been seriously underutilized for studying human behavior, i.e., ritual. The structural ritualization theory, attempts to narrow this gap in our understanding of the social causes and consequences of our actions by focusing on the ritualized behaviors that define much of our daily lives. Taking a broad approach to science in sociology this perspective is grounded in a commitment to three goals: the development of theory, substantiating these concepts through empirical evidence, and the application of this knowledge to social problems, dehumanizing conditions in contemporary society, and enriching our personal lives. This book is the first to comprehensively describe the structural ritualistic theory, which since its inception a decade ago, has developed in several directions involving different lines of cumulative research. This book shows how structural reproduction has occurred throughout the world, how rituals can be strategically used and power can influence rituals, and how the disruption of ritualized practices and the reconstitution of ritual subsequent to such events are of crucial importance for human beings. Weaving its way through the book Knottnerus discusses why ritual provides a missing link in sociology and helps us better explain the extreme complexity of human action and social reality.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
Understanding Rituals in Everyday Life: Sociology and Structural Ritualization Theory	p. 1
Analysis of Ritual Dynamics	p. 15
Structural Reproduction in the World and Throughout History	p. 41
Strategic Ritualization and Power: Nazi Germany, the Orange Order, and Native Americans	p. 73
Disruption and Deritualization: Concentration Camp Internment and the Breakdown of Social Order	p. 107
Ritual as a Missing Link Within Sociology: Current and Future Research	p. 133
Social and Personal Life: Applications and Implications	p. 155
References	p. 171
Index	p. 189
About the Author	p. 195
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