The Importance of Rituals in Modern Society

Submit a 1750 words paper on the topic The Importance of Rituals in Modern Society. Properly constructed rituals alter intentions, thoughts, and feelings into actions, which may be symbolic. Such actions have considerable power, which can bring a change of mind. Rituals may mark a transition from a mode to another, thereby altering a person’s consciousness. Durkheim suggested that rituals play a significant role in modern society (Durkheim, Cosman &Mark, 2001, p41). The use of rituals has become so consistent in the world of today. Human beings apply rituals in numerous aspects of their lives. This has made use of rituals fundamental in modern society. Therefore, we cannot down look at the central role that rituals play in today’s society (Flood, 2012).Jeffrey (1990, p20) observes that rituals play a significant role in modern society. In his explanation of social phenomena, Durkheim considered religion and rituals as fundamental in modern society. He observed that rituals can be used as the focal point in understanding any society. Alexander (2006, p52) notes that all societies are governed by rituals. Rituals, therefore, can be regarded to be crucial in the scientific study of contemporary society. Durkheim noted that rituals can be applied in an effort to understand the dynamics of today’s society. They help to identify norms, morals, and values of acceptable behavior, which members of a society share. Thus, rituals form the basis for understanding the cultural beliefs and traditions of a group of people.Durkheim also argued that through rituals, institutions that constitute the society can be understood. Rituals represent the ideals of people, which relate to their ways of life. Institutions such as the family, religion, and morals have rituals that govern them. Furthermore, rituals apply in other institutions such as schools, polity, and health institutions (Alexander 2006, p53). To Durkheim, rituals act as the beginning of almost all activities in society. All aspects of society are ritualistic. therefore, rituals serve a fundamental purpose in explaining aspects of modern society. Thus, rituals can be regarded as crucial in identifying the structure of contemporary society and its institutions (Flood, 2012).Durkheim argued that rituals provide people with a code of acceptable behavior. In his arguments, Durkheim purported this behavior regulates behavior in modern society. Rituals refresh morals that govern society. Since rituals lay down norms of acceptable behavior, they ensure the security of all members of society. Durkheim saw any deviation from the acceptable norms leads to crime. The society achieves social solidarity when all the individuals follow and obey the set rules (Durkheim, Cosman &Mark, 2001, p44). Therefore, rituals create a sustainable society where peace, harmony, and unity prevail. This can be seen in modern society where deviation from certain cultural norms can lead to instability. Members of contemporary society should respect the rituals to enhance solidarity in society. Failure of the people to obey rituals leads to chaos and constant conflicts in society (Jeffrey1990, p22).