Victor W. Turner

Victor W. Turner was an influential anthropologist known for studying how rituals and symbols shape human experiences and societies. He believed that ceremonies—such as festivals, rites of passage, and rituals—serve to create a sense of community, transform individual identities, and reflect deeper cultural meanings. Turner developed concepts like "liminality," describing the transitional phase in rituals where normal social structures are temporarily suspended, allowing personal and social renewal. His work helps us understand how cultures use symbolic actions to manage change, reinforce social cohesion, and express collective identity.