Argument

The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life(Durkheim, 1912) paved the way for sociology to explore, conceptualize and understand the power of rituals in our lives. Since then, rituals ceased to be envisaged in the restricted area of religion and the sacred; its study gradually extended to several dimensions of the everyday interaction and social imaginaries. Family rituals constitute no exception. Including the “big” days such as life-cycle events, family traditions and celebrations but also the “small” days arising from daily life, rituals have never been as studied and celebrated as nowadays all around the world.

This volume aims to present and discuss, across borders, the place of rituals in constructing contemporary families. Bringing together theoretical contributions and empirical studies on the “special” meaning of some events, days or occasions, this book aims to portray and understand contemporary family rituals in its multiplex dynamics: actors, spaces, times, feelings, symbols, actions and meanings.

The volume will have a strong international focus. Early scholars and established contributors are welcome to propose chapters addressing, among other, the following themes and issues:

• dealing with the “inherited” rituals: obligations and tensions among family members;
• planning the desired rituals: personalization and individualization;
• media representations and cultural imaginary on family rituals;
• the family ritual process: backstage and frontstage;
• family rituals and gender: old and new issues; 
• family rituals and generations: other views and roles;
• beyond gold images: the “dark side” of family rituals;
• family rituals, ICTs and (other) mobilities;
• family rituals across borders, time and space;
• …

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