Cover of Ritual, Politics, and Power

Ritual, Politics, and Power

by David I. Kertzer · 1988

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In the most comprehensive study of political ritual yet written, David I. Kertzer explains why ritual has always been and will continue to be an essential part of political life. Weaving together examples from around the world and throughout history—from Aztec cannibal rites to the inauguration of American presidents, from Ku Klux Klan parades in Georgia to May Day rallies in Moscow—Kertzer shows that the success of all political forces, whether conservative or revolutionary, is linked to their successful use of ritual.

Subject
anthropologyanthropologyMore like thisLess of thispoliticspoliticsMore like thisLess of this
Audience
adult
Length
medium · 258 pages

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Liked Ritual, Politics, and Power? Here’s where I’d start.

These suit anyone who liked Ritual, Politics, and Power. Sign in and mark a few books for picks shaped around your own taste.

  1. The Anthropology of Performance Victor Turner · 1993 Shares anthropology, ritual
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  3. The Ritual Process: Structure and Anti-Structure Victor Turner · 1969 Shares anthropology, ritual, nonfiction
  4. Ritual and Religion in the Making of Humanity Roy A. Rappaport · 1999 Shares anthropology, ritual, nonfiction
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“If you want more of the same (anthropology), start with these.”

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“If it was the ritual that hooked you, try one of these.”

  1. The Sambia: Ritual, Sexuality, and Change in Papua New Guinea Gilbert H. Herdt · 1987
  2. Why Nothing Works: The Anthropology of Daily Life Marvin Harris · 1981
  3. The Forest of Symbols: Aspects Of Ndembu Ritual Victor Turner · 1967
  4. Readings for a History of Anthropological Theory Liam D. Murphy · 2001

“These start from a similar idea, even if they go somewhere else with it.”

  1. The Wiccan Book of Ceremonies and Rituals Patricia J. Telesco · 2000
  2. The Stations of the Sun: A History of the Ritual Year in Britain Ronald Hutton · 1996
  3. To Dance with God: Family Ritual and Community Celebration Gertrud Mueller Nelson · 1986
  4. The Reagan Revolution: A Very Short Introduction Gil Troy · 2009

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