Reflections on Ritualism and Anti-Ritualism in the Era of Distance Communication

Abstract (English)

My contribution is to inquire about the role of the body as a natural symbol in relation to ritualism and especially anti-ritualism, a phenomenon already highlighted by Mary Douglas in the 1970s and which becomes even more evident when looking at new modes of remote communication. The question to address is how eliminating fundamental ritual practices influences interpersonal relationships, especially in educational and therapeutic contexts. In recent decades, remote communication has transformed relational modalities in our society, also serving as a bond between different societies, which have managed to come closer through technology. After the Second Vatican Council, Mary Douglas (1970) suggested that our society, starting with the Catholic Church, was moving in an anti-ritualist direction, warning of the dangers associated with the elimination of rituals, which are a constitutive part of human societies and the foundation of our species' survival. In the book "Natural Symbols," the anthropologist highlights the bodily foundation of rituals. The body represents a natural symbol that conveys profound meanings in social interactions. Rituals, as highlighted by Douglas, are fundamental for social cohesion and the construction of collective identity. In a traditional educational context, the physical presence of students and teachers allows for an interaction rich in non-verbal cues, such as glances and gestures, which promote reciprocity and active listening. However, the emergence of distance learning has compromised these crucial aspects. Teachers find themselves speaking to a screen, devoid of immediate feedback, while students can interact individually and distractedly, reducing the quality of interaction (Baker, 2020). Remote communication alters not only educational dynamics but also therapeutic ones. During a psychological session, the therapist and patient can maintain their trust relationship; however, the lack of physical contact and caring gestures, like a handshake or a pat on the shoulder, can affect how close and supported the patient feels. Lévi-Strauss (1966) emphasized the importance of rituals in strengthening therapeutic efficacy, suggesting that the lack of rituality could compromise diagnosis and treatment. Distance communication alters not only educational dynamics but also therapeutic ones. During a psychological session, although the trust relationship between therapist and patient can be maintained, the absence of physical contact and gestures of care, such as a handshake or a pat on the shoulder, can influence the perception of closeness and emotional support. Lévi-Strauss (1966) emphasized the importance of rituals in strengthening therapeutic efficacy, suggesting that the lack of rituality could compromise diagnosis and treatment.