Assignment:
Ritual Situation can be described as a socially defined occasion that triggers a set of interrelated behaviors that occur in a structured format and have symbolic meaning. Rituals can be private or public. They usually and commonly involve family members with heavy expectations placed upon them. For example, religious holidays often involve family gatherings, meals, certain types of food, purchase of clothing, etc. Rituals are the activities that we engage in on a regular basis based upon expectations placed upon us within society and family. Some people love the rituals of religion, holidays, special occasions, etc. while other people dread certain events yet participate because of pressure placed upon them within society and family units.
Most families have some set traditions that follow a certain holiday. I want you to think about how your family or social group interacts within a specific ritual environment. Most social groups have established rituals within a certain environment.
Select two of the following examples of ritual events/holidays where you or your family has established rituals and traditions.
Select two of the following examples of ritual events/holidays where you or your friends and/or social group have established rituals and traditions.
• Easter
• Christmas
• Any religious holiday
• Or simply attending church on a regular basis
• Valentine's Day
• Halloween
• Fourth of July
• Memorial Day
• Family Vacation
• Family Birthday
• Sporting event
• Concert
• Entertainment venue
• Casino
• Road trip with friends (boys weekend in Vegas!!) (girls weekend in Vegas!!)
• Friday night date - coffee with a hottie!!
• Weddings
• Funerals
• Baby Shower
• Wedding Shower
• Bachelorette Party
• Bachelor Party
• Event with friends or other rituals unique to you or your family
Discuss in detail, both positive and negative, the expectations placed on these traditions including answering each of the following questions:
• How do you feel about participating in the event?
• How do other family members or members of your social group react to the holiday / event?
• How are relationship dynamics between immediate family member versus extended family members, best friends or friends within your social group vs. friends of friends or new acquaintances?
• What are your consumption patterns? What purchases do you make to be prepared for the event?
• What food is typical during the event?
• What food are you responsible for preparing, if any?
• What type of clothing do you wear to the event?
• Who impacts your decision of what you wear to an event?
• How does the event impact any of the following?
o Makeup
o hair style
o cologne / perfume
o jewelry / purse / accessories
o shoes
• Do you give or receive any gifts during the event? If so, describe.
• How many people generally attend the event?
• What family dynamics occur during the gathering?
• How do the dynamics within the group change as different people are present? For example, when you are with your closest friends you act a certain way, but when new people are introduced into the group, the group dynamics change. Discuss how this occurs in your group events. In addition, think about your behavior:
o How does your behavior change when you are with individual family members vs. your entire family at a gathering?
o How does your behavior change when you are with your best friend vs. a group of friends?