Rituals as Sites of Social Power and Resistance

This examination investigates how rituals function as mechanisms of social power and sites of resistance within cultural contexts. Students will critically engage with the interplay between authority and subversion in ritual practices.

Rituals often reflect and reinforce social hierarchies, yet they can also serve as spaces for resistance against dominant narratives. Understanding this duality is essential for scholars seeking to unravel the complexities of power dynamics in culture.

Students will be tested on their ability to analyze case studies that illustrate the use of rituals in both oppressive and liberating contexts. Emphasis will be placed on articulating the nuances of power relations within ritual spaces.

Candidates are encouraged to identify specific examples where rituals have served as a platform for both maintaining and challenging societal norms, enriching class discussions with diverse perspectives.