The Ritual Process (Victor Turner)

Victor Turner’s Ritual Process theory describes how rituals facilitate social and personal transformation. He sees rituals as symbolic actions that mark important life stages or communal events, helping individuals and groups transition from one social state to another. These processes often involve a liminal phase, where participants are temporarily in-between statuses, allowing for reflection and renewal. Rituals reinforce shared values, strengthen social bonds, and provide a structured way to express collective identity. Turner’s framework highlights the dynamic, meaningful role of rituals in shaping individual and community life through symbolic actions and shared experiences.