The Ritual Process: Structure and Anti-Structure

TitleThe Ritual Process: Structure and Anti-Structure
Publication TypeBook
Year of Publication1969
AuthorsTurner, Victor W.
Number of Pages213
PublisherAldine Publishing Company
CityChicago
Abstract

In this volume, the author examines rituals of the Ndembu in Zambia and develops his now-famous concept of "Communitas." He characterizes it as an absolute inter-human relation beyond any form of structure. The author demonstrates how the analysis of ritual behavior and symbolism may be used as a key to understanding social structure and processes. He extends Van Gennep's notion of the "liminal phase" of rites of passage to a more general level, and applies it to gain understanding of a wide range of social phenomena. Once thought to be the "vestigial" organs of social conservatism, rituals are now seen as arenas in which social change may emerge and be absorbed into social practice.

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2967815

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