Social density and public ritual in non-industrial communities: a cross-cultural analysis

The Sociological Quarterly • Vol/Iss. 30 • Published In • Pages: 225-244 •
By Reeves, Edward B., Bylund, Robert A.

Abstract

This article empirically tests the Durkheimian theory that different types of rites and the elaboration of public rituals are associated with social density. Analysis indicates that social density is negatively associated with the occurrence of crisis rites and positively associated with the occurrence of calendrical rites and ritual elaboration. Additional findings suggest that social density is a better predictor of ritual activity than political hierarchy or the division of labor.
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Kate Cummings  Amelia Piazza