Rituals and symbols

Question 1

Properties of rituals

Answer 1

1. Are always about something
2. The ordinary is suspended
3. Time is bracketed
4. Space is theatrically rearranged
5. Doing is formalised
6. Repeated at regular intervals

Question 2

Rites de passage

Answer 2

Concept coined by Arnold van Gennep explaining how a ritual can transform a person’s old status into a new status

Question 3

three steps of ‘rites de passage’

Answer 3

separation: separated from current status
liminal phase: exists ‘betwixt and between’, sphere separated from dominant structures and rules
incorporation/reintegration: granted new status and role within society

Question 4

The British Beehive

Answer 4

Model that shows how society is built on division between people. Questions how society can be considered a coherent whole if people have different statuses and roles.

Question 5

Communitas

Answer 5

The feeling of heightened solidarity produced during a liminal moment. Makes people of a society feel unity despite their divisions. Necessary for society to function.

Question 6

“Liturgical Performance”

Answer 6

Concept by Roy Rappaport. the rigid structural form of the ritual shields the message against any rebuttal, against the rapid changes that a society undergoes, and against facts that contradicts the message of the ritual

Question 7

What does ritual do?

Answer 7

-produces the conventions of which a societal order can be build
-facilitates fundamental assumptions about human beings and the world